Re: Can Oracle save a tree?

"Noons" <wizofoz2k_at_yahoo.com.au> wrote in message news:4090e47c$0$20662$afc38c87_at_news.optusnet.com.au...
> "Niall Litchfield" <niall.litchfield_at_dial.pipex.com> wrote in message
> news:40900c1b$0$20507
> $cc9e4d1f_at_news-text.dial.pipex.com...
>
> > There is of course an alternative if you don't consider traditional ER
> > modelling and design appropriate in your case. Don't use an RDBMS at
all.
> > Use some sort of XML and get the data to describe itself.:(
>
> How can he do that if he can't describe the structure of the
> data in the first place? XML describes structure where there is one.
> It doesn't replace or fabricate it.

you'd just iterate down the tree structure from the GUI generating an XML schema as you went :)

> "Implementation details", "don't confuse implementation with design",
> yadda yadda. I often wonder in what sort of lah-lah-land do these
> folks live in? Haven't they realised yet they MUST primarily handle data?
> By itself an OO program/design/model is worth exactly squat unless it can
> handle existing and future data?

yes but you'll be on the next generation architecture in 6 months time anyway :(

BTW I used to hate the use of the word architecture in relation to computers - and helpfully it is strictly illegal to be a computer systems 'architect' in the UK - I've changed my mind. The use of the word architecture in place of the word design appears to be a fantastic litmus test as to whether any design has actually happened.

cynically yours

-- 
Niall Litchfield
Oracle DBA
Audit Commission UK
http://www.niall.litchfield.dial.pipex.com/