Declarative Power: The Enduring Relevance of SQL in the Age of Big Data

Abstract

Structured Query Language (SQL), a declarative language introduced in the 1970s, continues to play a critical role in modern data management, despite the emergence of various big data frameworks and NoSQL alternatives. In an era characterized by massive, heterogeneous data sources and real-time analytics, the enduring relevance of SQL lies in its simplicity, expressiveness, and capacity for abstraction. This paper explores the resurgence of SQL in big data ecosystems, particularly through its integration with distributed computing platforms such as Apache Hive, Spark SQL, and Google BigQuery. It investigates how SQL has adapted to meet new data processing challenges while maintaining its declarative philosophy. By examining case studies, technological integrations, and performance considerations, this study highlights the evolving yet foundational role of SQL as a unifying layer across traditional relational databases and modern data platforms.