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Is SQL classified as a fourth generation language or as a fifth generation language?

Moeb
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    The first link (which you have provided yourself, but apparently didn't look at) lists SQL as a fourth level language - it's in the "Database query languages" section. So why are you asking? – p.marino Jul 29 '10 at 09:46
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    Does anyone still use the "N-generation" terminology? I haven't come across it since the 80s. –  Jul 29 '10 at 09:47
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    It depends if you use 0 as a first index, or 1 ;-) – Scharron Jul 29 '10 at 09:48

3 Answers3

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SQL tries to be a 5GL, by allowing the user to express their intent at a high level of abstraction while leaving the determination of an algorithm for achieving the intent up to the engine.

Unfortunately, due to various deficiencies in the language, it falls far short of that goal.

Marcelo Cantos
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Neither. But does it matter?

Will Dean
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Neither. It is a query language, not a general purpose programming language.

Oded
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  • But it can be [turing complete](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/900055/is-sql-or-even-tsql-turing-complete/900062#900062). – Moeb Jul 29 '10 at 09:49
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    @Primx - **Can** be. The answer you link even says that the SQL92 standard is not turing complete. – Oded Jul 29 '10 at 09:57