Re: joins: avoiding recurrences

Torsten wrote:

> I forgot to ask, if it is possible to perfom a natural join of tables
> by setting NULL values if one table is missing its counter part in the
> other table (using decode...). This could be a very comfortable
> solution. I try it anyway but please would you tell me, if there is no
> way to do it. I'm too beginner...
>
> Thank you,
> Torsten

The best possible advice I can give you is don't learn NATURAL JOINS beyond knowing how to recognize them ... and never ever use them. They are the invention of a marketing department and have no place in any serious application.

Consider the implications of two tables: Each with a column named COMMENTS. No good can come of them: Lots of bad.

-- 
Daniel Morgan
http://www.outreach.washington.edu/ext/certificates/oad/oad_crs.asp
http://www.outreach.washington.edu/ext/certificates/aoa/aoa_crs.asp
damorgan_at_x.washington.edu
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