Usability of SQL and Menus for Database Query

Experiments which compared the usability of menus to that of SQL for database query showed that first-time users generally performed better with SQL and considered it easier to use than menus. Some specific problems with both SQL and menu systems were revealed. New users of SQL experienced difficulty in using proper syntax and in choosing the appropriate table. Users of the menu system, IBM's MAPICS, complained about crowded screens, and found it hard to interpret some of the menu choices. Operators of menu systems performed better when provided with a system directory.