Why has it been the relational database language of choice over the native interfaces?
IBM said, back around the time of V4R3, that all future enhancements to the database, DB2 UDB, are going to be on the SQL side of the interface rather than on the native interface. This decision was mainly because SQL was the vehicle that hardware and software vendors agreed upon to move data between platforms, and it’s the industry-standard language for relational databases. And IBM did not have enough resources, in terms of people, time, and dollars, to continue to enhance both interfaces. Although there have been a few exceptions, the new stuff on the database has been SQL only. IBM basically said this is the way it’s going to be. Get smart. Learn SQL. If you look at the lead time between when IBM announces a function in the operating system or database and the time people start using it, a couple of years may pass. People are just now getting on board with SQL because they are being forced to use SQL only. I’m sure there is a group of legacy customers whose applications are running
