Rapid SQL® - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Rapid SQL?

A: Rapid SQL is a cross-DBMS platform SQL IDE that helps database and application developers produce high quality SQL code faster. A rich development environment simplifies SQL scripting, query building, object management, project management, and version control in live databases or offline source code repositories. Intuitive SQL editing, debugging, and optimization tools help create high performance SQL code. One easy-to-use interface lets developers work across database platforms so organizations can standardize on one solution and maximize database development efficiency. Rapid SQL supports all major databases including IBM® DB2® for LUW, DB2® for z/OS, Microsoft® SQL Server, MySQL®, Oracle®, and Sybase®.
 

Q: What's new in Rapid SQL 7.6?

A:

Unicode Support

Rapid SQL 7.6 now offers expanded Unicode support. Previous versions of Rapid SQL only supported Unicode in the Text Editor. Now the Results Grid and Data Editor support Unicode characters as well. Rapid SQL 7.7 will offer full Unicode support. Rapid SQL Developer 2.0 offers full Unicode support.
 

Sybase ASE 15 Cluster Support

With the release of ASE 15 Cluster edition, Sybase has joined the other DBMS vendors in support of clustered deployments. A clustered deployment allows an organization to spread their data across several physical databases. Rapid SQL 7.6 now supports Sybase ASE 15 Cluster edition with datasource registration for connecting to a single instance or an entire cluster.
 

SQL Server 2008 Support

Rapid SQL now offers the same level of support for SQL Server 2008 as SQL Server 2000 and 2005, plus SQL Server 2008 Date/Time support and Login updates for supporting password policy enforcement, password expiry, login encryption using certificates or asymmetric key, and the ability to make immediate password changes and enable/disable logins.
 

Graphic Query Plan for Oracle

A graphic query plan is now available for Oracle as well as Sybase, SQL Server and DB2. With the ISQL window set to Query Plan mode, you can now view a graphical representation of the generated query plan. This representation of the query plan offers a full range of organizational functions, for example accessing detailed information about each node in the plan by hovering the mouse over the node.
 

SQL Pre-processor

The ISQL editor now provides preprocessing similar to C language compiler directives to support variable substitution and inclusion. Preprocessing execution options can be preprocessed only or preprocessed and immediately executed.
 

Additional Enhancements Requested by our Customers

- Enhanced text editor

- Enhanced XML Support - stored procedures now take XML support, implemented as LOB data, at execution or debugging time

- Microsoft Vista support upgrades
 

Q: What is the difference between Rapid SQL Standard and Rapid SQL Professional?

A: If what you are looking for is a rich SQL programming development environment and you are working in a small workgroup environment, then Rapid SQL Standard edition will help you dramatically raise your productivity. If you are working in an environment where SQL tuning and code optimization are critical parts of your job, then Rapid SQL Professional will help you create highly efficient code. Rapid SQL Professional includes Code Analyst and SQL Profiler (Oracle only) to help you pinpoint problems in your code and the SQL Debugger to work with programmable objects such as stored procedures, functions, packages and triggers.
 

Q: What is Rapid SQL Developer?

A: Rapid SQL Developer is an Eclipse-based SQL IDE that is bundled with Rapid SQL Standard and Rapid Professional.
 

Q: How does Rapid SQL improve developer productivity?

A: Rapid SQL's rich development environment simplifies SQL scripting, query building, object management, project management, and version control. Intuitive editing, debugging, and optimization tools help create high-performance SQL code.
 

Q: Is Rapid SQL truly cross-platform?

A: Yes. All versions of Rapid SQL provide award-winning cross-platform database development support for Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and IBM DB2 for z/OS and LUW. Note: Rapid SQL Developer supports Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server and IBM DB2 for LUW.
 

Q: Do I need to purchase each of the DBMS platforms separately?

A: Rapid SQL is available for single or multiple DBMS platforms. You can purchase Rapid SQL for each platform in your environment, or you can purchase a cross-platform solution that covers all supported platforms. If you purchase Rapid SQL for a single platform, you can add additional platforms or upgrade to a cross-platform version as your environment grows.