Re: Any new thoughts on OTLT (One True Lookup Table)

From: Laconic2 <laconic2_at_comcast.net>
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 15:34:56 -0500
Message-ID: <8fqdnSpVIN5TRPTd4p2dnA_at_comcast.com>


> Most databases are only usable, because we have context,
> be it the real world, coding or other. A database using names
> from a 'strange' language (so no language context) can not
> be understood by a 'normal' human being. The context is needed.

And this is precisely why Codd wanted the database schema to be represented as metadata, in relational form,
and packaged in the database, so as to provide context for the data. If the schema makes sense in the subject
matter language, and provides the context needed to decode the data, then the data is usable by anyone who can access it, and knows the subject matter.

If the context is kept out of the schema, then the database is only usable to those who are in on the secret. Received on Tue Mar 30 2004 - 22:34:56 CEST

Original text of this message