Re: Design approaches about primary key

From: Daniel Morgan <damorgan_at_x.washington.edu>
Date: Fri, 28 Nov 2003 22:16:33 -0800
Message-ID: <1070086625.543444@yasure>

Galen Boyer wrote:
> On Fri, 28 Nov 2003, damorgan_at_x.washington.edu wrote:
>
>

>>But you are incorrect about 'textbook examples'. Too many
>>databases are built based on some textbook example or
>>cannabilizing a design from some other system rather than a
>>serious analysis of the business and data integrity
>>implications of the specific case.

>
>
> A textbook example of natural keys would cause the same issue.
> If one doesn't define the data model correctly, natural or
> surrogate keys won't matter.
>
> I have not worked on any database systems that were based on
> textbook examples, or to say it more precisely, I wouldn't know
> how to identify a database system based on textbook examples.
> The issue I always identify is that people are under the gun to
> get a database out so that an application can get coded so
> customers can get satisfied ... In all those pressures, people
> cut corners. I very much utilize the surrogate key design, but
> my only issue with them is that cutting corners with surrogate
> keys designs is far easier than it is with natural keys. The
> poor design flaws show up later rather than earlier. A natural
> key design forces you to know all sources of your data at the
> beginning of the project and define the precise keys. A
> surrogate key design doesn't.

No. It only requires you to create and maintain additional constraints and indexes.

There is a word you should learn to use when management asks you to throw away your professional training and create junk. The word is "NO"!

And yes I know they will send you packing if you just put it to them the way you think it. The proper approach is to ask someone to put their signature on a document advising against what they propose. When done properly it almost always causes managers to rethink their position. And when they choose not to ... makes great CYA material.

One question: Why is it acceptable for you to cut corners and do less than your best when you wouldn't want your physician or accountant or attorney to do the same to you. I suggest to you that there is value in taking the ethical high ground.

-- 
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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Received on Sat Nov 29 2003 - 00:16:33 CST