The power of SQL in data transformation
While SQL is a universally understood language in the data world, mastering its use for data transformations often represents a small yet significant gap to bridge. We’ll aim to close this gap, enabling you to fully leverage SQL’s power in transforming and molding data to your specific needs.
A brief history of SQL
To fully appreciate SQL’s power in data transformation, you must first understand its origins and the context in which it was created. SQL, or Structured Query Language, was developed by IBM researchers Raymond Boyce and Donald Chamberlin in the early 1970s. Structured English Query Language (SEQUEL) was the name given to the language at first. Due to trademark issues, the name was later changed to SQL.
The primary motivation for the development of SQL was to provide a more accessible and efficient way to interact with relational databases. Database systems at the time were based on complex, low-level...