Re: In an RDBMS, what does "Data" mean?

"Bill H" <wphaskett_at_THISISMUNGEDatt.net> wrote:

[snip]

     Well, I may be having the chance to work with some of this first-hand. I have a job interview today, and the job description included mention of a hierarchical DBMS. It will be an interesting contrast.

>> >and database, and its tools. The database nomenclature is not unique and
>> >words mean what they've always meant (i.e. noone refers to a "row" or a
>> >"column" when referencing a customer or a list of their outstanding
>> >invoices).
>>
>> No one? You are sure that it is impossible? "This column is..."
>> or "This row has the subtotals for...".
>
>Well, noone within the management and administration group of the business.
>:-)

     Come now. "row" and "column" are ordinary English words. Try showing a child how to add multi-digit numbers without using the word "column". It is possible, but I submit that it is much easier to use "column". 1s and 10s columns and all that.

Sincerely,

Gene Wirchenko

Computerese Irregular Verb Conjugation:

     I have preferences.
     You have biases.
     He/She has prejudices.