In
relational database theory, the term "sublanguage", first used for this purpose by
E. F. Codd in 1970, refers to a
computer language used to define or manipulate the structure and contents of a
relational database management system (RDBMS). Typical sublanguages associated with modern RDBMS's are
QBE (Query by Example) and
SQL (Structured Query Language). In 1985, Codd encapsulated his thinking in
twelve rules which every database must satisfy in order to be truly relational. The fifth rule is known as the
Comprehensive data sublanguage rule, and states: :
A relational system may support several languages and various modes of terminal use (for example, the fill-in-the-blanks mode). However, there must be at least one language whose statements are expressible, per some well-defined syntax, as character strings, and that is comprehensive in supporting all of the following items: :*
Data definition :*
View definition :*
Data manipulation (interactive and by program) :*
Integrity constraints :*
Authorization :*
Transaction boundaries (begin, commit, and rollback) ==References==