SQL programming fundamentals

Hello Oracle-L,

I have been 'lurking' on this list for manyyears. Time was when I contributed regularly, but now I'm content to read. Until now...

I have been reviewing the latest volume by Chris Date due for imminent publication by O'Reilly, and I want to test within the wider SQL community some of the assertions that Chris makes. My own position is studiously neutral for the purposes of this exchange.

How important do you believe it to be that any person who uses SQL in the context of their profession, should understand the relational theory and its logical underpinnings? Should such practitioners understand relational calculus (specifically the 'tuple relational calculus')?

Thanks for your thoughts! And by the way, I am arranging a seminar in Edinburgh, UK on November 10-12 at which Chris will be presenting on 'A Relational Approach to SQL'. Attendance free - just intimate to me your interest in attending.

Peter Robson
Edinburgh

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