Re: ISQL AND INFORMIX

In <35100CDB.2204@ictest.delcoelect.com> Matt Reprogle <mcreprog@ictest.delcoelect.com> writes: >> Many of you talk about isql with Informix. I just want to know what is >> isql? >> I know a tool call isql for Sybase. Is it the same kind of tool? >> (isql for sybase is the same kind of tool use to interact with >> the db like >> sqlplus for oracle). >Yes, this is basically true, except that isql has a full-screen >character interface that is easier to use than sqlplus. No, not really. dbaccess is a better chioce for an sqlplus equivalent, except for the optional full screen interactive mode, as you point out. Isql is a complete product unto itself, and whilst it has some of the elements of dbaccess (can do SQL, has a cut down DB and table manipulation command set), its main features are the User menu builder, the Perform form builder and the Ace report writer. A fairer, but very loose comparison, would be to equate isql as a text based MS Access. Both can manipulate DB schemas, both have a form and report writer, and both can create/save/run SQL scripts. Obviously, Access has many other features, ( including the amazing ability to crash at the most inconvenient moment ;) ), but people have, and still do, write quite sophisticated apps with isql. -- Bryan Tonnet batonnet@phase4.com.au