Reader Feedback and Insights: SQL Versus DDS

Hey, Ted:

Are shops actually writing SQL code for table creation and storing it in some source library in place of actual DDS for tables ["SQL Field Reference File"]? I'm referring to real production tables, not just work tables or things created on-the-fly.

If yes, what is the benefit over DDS?

--Sarah

Some are, Sarah, but I suspect it's very few. The lack of a field reference file has been a hold-up for a lot of people. The main reason why people use DDS, though, is probably that that's what they've always used.

The advantages of SQL that I can think of are: (a) newer features, like LOBs, can't be defined in DDS and (b) you can port the database definition to other database management systems much more easily.

I like DDS and I think it's adequate, but IBM disagrees with me. The database guys at IBM have told me repeatedly that SQL is the only way to go.

--Ted

Sponsored By ADVANCED SYSTEMS CONCEPTS

Quoted from an experienced programmer new to the iSeries (AS/400): "The best thing about working on the AS/400 is using ASC's SEQUEL product." If you're tired of the limitations imposed by Query/400 or ODBC-based query and reporting tools, you need SEQUEL. Discover how thousands of sites around the world have improved access to iSeries data using SEQUEL's Windows- and Web-interfaces. It's the one tool you can rely on for virtually all your iSeries data access needs. FREE trial available. Read More about SEQUEL