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From: setas01@usgcdh.uucp
Newsgroups: comp.databases
Subject: Re: SQL PreCompilers
Message-ID: <319.26b9b861@usgcdh.uucp>
Date: 3 Aug 90 17:46:09 GMT
Organization: Computer Associates International
Lines: 49


 Re : SQL Precompilers

  David Cohen from  Data General Corporation, RTP, NC writes :
 
> I would like to find out from experienced users/developers which
> SQL RDBMs offer true preoptimization. I'm referring to precompilers
> that process host languages with embedded SQL statements, 
> optimize the statements based on database statistics and
> indexes, and generate calls that refer to some statement identifier.
> Simply massaging the SQL into calls that pass the actual
> statement text is definitely not good enough. Neither is forcing
> users to actually make calls that store that statement in the database
> (ie, Sybase stored statements). It appears that most of the database
> vendor hype ignores precompilation, but precompiled applications
> run faster and are easier to code than call level SQL.

> In particular, I'd like to hear about the 'biggies' : DB2 (pretty sure
> this does), Oracle, Ingres, Informix, Sybase, Empress, etc.

> If you want, email me and I'll post a summary.
> Thanks.

> David Cohen                      |    "There's nothin' wrong with goin'    
> cohend@dg-rtp.dg.com             |     nowhere, baby, but we should be   
> {world}!mcnc!rti!dg-rtp!cohend   |     should be goin' nowhere fast."       
> Data General Corporation, RTP, NC|                  - Streets of Fire      

I agree that there has been much hype in this area.  In fact, there
is only one DBMS on the mini-market (VAX/VMS, UNIX) that has this
capability:  CA-DB from Computer Associates.  None of the Oracle,
Ingres, Sybase etc. support precompiled queries.  As a consequence,
it is the fastest DBMS on the market when using ANSI embedded SQL
in standard programming languages which is an extremely important
factor in portability.  All the "big" vendors seem to be saying that
if you need high performance, you should lock your future into their
product (this may sound like bashing, but it is very annoying to see
marrketing hype from companies espousing Standards as well as open
architecture)!

CA-DB optimizes the query at preprocess time and stores the access
plans in the database.  At run time, these access plans are executed.
Of course, CA-DB has to also deal with changes in the database that
could invalidate an access plan and it does it automatically.

If you need more information, please call me.

Ashok Sethi
(408) 922-2666, Ext. 5636