SQL Has Problems. We Can Fix Them: Pipe Syntax In SQL

The Paper
SQL Has Problems. We Can Fix Them: Pipe Syntax In SQL

Paper Link
https://research.google/pubs/sql-has-problems-we-can-fix-them-pipe-syntax-in-sql/

Abstract
SQL has been extremely successful as the de facto standard language for working with data. Virtually all mainstream database-like systems use SQL as their primary query language. But SQL is an old language with significant design problems, making it difficult to learn, difficult to use, and difficult to extend. Many have observed these challenges with SQL, and proposed solutions involving new languages. New language adoption is a significant obstacle for users, and none of the potential replacements have been successful enough to displace SQL.

In GoogleSQL, we’ve taken a different approach - solving SQL’s problems by extending SQL. Inspired by a pattern that works well in other modern data languages, we added piped data flow syntax to SQL. The results are transformative - SQL becomes a flexible language that’s easier to learn, use and extend, while still leveraging the existing SQL ecosystem and existing userbase. Improving SQL from within allows incrementally adopting new features, without migrations and without learning a new language, making this a more productive approach to improve on standard SQL.

Format
We start at 6:10, don't be late!
The discussion lasts for about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending upon the paper.
• Read the paper (done before you arrive)
• Introductions (name, and background)
• First impressions (1-2 minutes this is what I thought)
• Structured review (we move through the paper in order, everyone gets a chance to ask questions, offer comments, and raise concerns)
• Free form discussion
• Nominate and vote on the next paper