An evaluation of RQL

Abstract

Microcomputers for data-base applications are available in a wide range of prices. At the low-end, the minimum configuration for any serious Data Base work would be a processor and memory unit, two floppy diskette drives, a keyboard, a video display unit, and a printer [2]. This configuration would be adequate for small applications. As an example, an Apple II computer with two floppy disk drives, video display, and printer retails for approximately $3000.00.The availability of Data Base Management Systems for low-end microcomputers is very limited [1,2]. There appear to be only two relational systems commercially available for low-end configurations - RQL (Relational Query Language) and RMS (Relational Menu System). Both of these systems are available from Hello Software, 8380 Roanne Drive, Orlando, Florida 32817, U.S.A. The RQL system runs on the Apple II microcomputer. Although it was designed for use in a classroom environment, RQL may also be suitable in a small business environment.RQL is a relationally complete system [3,4]. Through a combination of automatic navigation and a relational processing query language, the RQL system allows the unsophisticated user direct interaction with data bases. Furthermore, RQL can manage multiple data bases with each data base extending across a maximum of eight volumes (floppy diskettes) [4]. However, since low-end configurations are inherently slow, the RQL system is unavoidably sluggish at times.The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate features of the RQL system and discuss its recent use in a learning environment and its potential use in a small business environment. For demonstration purposes a real-world situation typical of a small business organization will be used and a data base will be established for it using the RQL system (Release 3).