Portable SQL	Page 1 of 2
What is it?

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a "standard" way of working with data sources. We use standard here in quotation marks, because it is not a perfect standard. In fact, there are variations in the SQL language between virtually all database engines. This could get confusing, if you learned SQL for say MySQL and then wanted to use it with DB2.

Fortunately, there is a feature - unique to Alpha Five - that lets you create SQL statements that are understood by most popular database engines. It's called Portable SQL. With Portable SQL you use the Query Genie to create the SQL statement you want (or you can type it in manually if you prefer). The preview window then shows you the results (as shown in the figure below).

Based on the database engine you are using, Alpha Five automatically translates Portable SQL into native SQL that is understood by the database engine you are using (see next page).

(click for full size image)

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