When I wrote my first SQL statement in 2001, I had no idea how much it would shape my life. What began as a typical backend technology for a young software engineer building an ERP system eventually defined my career and took me around the world.
As the years went on, SQL wove itself into my professional DNA – from driving Oracle Database’s SQL implementation to serving on the ISO SQL Standard committee.
Never did I imagine I’d have the great honor of meeting the co-inventor of SQL himself, Donald Chamberlin. Until this week.
I met Mr. Chamberlin over a casual lunch. He is a very pleasant, down-to-earth gentleman and retired eight years ago, in 2018. We talked about SQL, the state of the database world and the impact AI is having on it, but also about traveling, family and hobbies.
