Abstract: The current specification of the SQL standard fails to support users adequately in formulating complex queries involving set comparison that tend to arise in on-line analytical processing (OLAP) situations. Such queries must be formulated using correlated subqueries and the NOT EXISTS function which present an overwhelming challenge to both casual as well as everyday SQL users. This paper presents a simpler approach for teaching users how to formulate in SQL complex set comparison queries encountered in ad-hoc decision making scenarios.

Keywords: Database management systems, On-line analytical processing, SQL, Set comparison, Relational algebra, Division operator, Generalized division, Human factors

Download this article: JISE - Volume 14 Number 4, Page 345.pdf

Recommended Citation: Dadashzadeh, M. (2003). Teaching Tip: A Simpler Approach to Set Comparison Queries in SQL. Journal of Information Systems Education, 14(4), 345-348.