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Re: query issue

From: Ed prochak <ed.prochak_at_magicinterface.com>
Date: 3 Feb 2004 10:12:45 -0800
Message-ID: <4b5394b2.0402031012.566978fc@posting.google.com>


vslabs_at_onwe.co.za (Billy Verreynne) wrote in message news:<1a75df45.0401292146.774c796f_at_posting.google.com>...
> Ed Prochak <ed.prochak_at_magicinterface.com> wrote
>
> > > Billy
> > Actually, given his sample data, I believe he would get
> > 1231456 61
> > 1231456 62
> > 1231456 63
> > since each ROW is distinct.
>
> Exactly, Ed. Sorry - the point I was trying to make was blunted by
> skewering the wrong data. ;-)
>
> The fact I was trying to convey is that a SELECT DISTINCT does exactly
> that - returns a list of distinct values. Nothing more. The user needs
> to make sure that a distinct list of values is what he wants to answer
> his question.
>
> I.e. saying that a SELECT DISTINCT does not work because it does not
> give you what you want, does not hold water, or keeps the beers cold,
> the women wild or peanut bowl full.

You got that right!

 The DISTINCT keyword is the most abused SQL feature I know, even more than ROWNUM. Whenever I see it used, I'm almost certain the person does not know what results they want. It hides information rather than revealing it.

Well, enough ranting. Let's go get some beer! (wish I could. Time for more work.)

   ed Received on Tue Feb 03 2004 - 12:12:45 CST

Original text of this message

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