zapbrannigan

We have ISAMS and I use direct SQL queries for everything. Some things we automate through powershell (eg. daily teacher absenteeism emailed to SLT) or python (in house dev stuff), and for reports its direct querying using Visual Studio. ISAMS db schema is very complicated because it has been modified and added to over the years by various different people with different visions and different technical ability. If you are looking to improve your SQL skills then there is no better database to cut your teeth on because there is nothing more chaotic or Frankenstein that that db. Once you figure it out though youre good.