Re: Normalize until neat, Automate until Complete
From: Kenneth Downs <firstinit.lastname_at_lastnameplusfam.net>
Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2004 22:15:28 -0500
Message-ID: <hbvf72-eg5.ln1_at_pluto.downsfam.net>
>> We hear the term "Denormalizing for performance" very often, and
>> depending
>> upon who is doing it, there might be an exasperated "et tu brute?" along
>> with it.
>>
>> The informal slogan that serves as a nominal rationalization for
>> denormalization is often given as "Normalize until it hurts, denormalize
>> until it works." This slogan, even though it almost rhymes, does not
>> give
>> us much useful guidance. In this slogan normalization is a bad thing,
>> but
>> actually is given no redeeming value. On the contrary, the denormalized
>> system has the advantage that it *works*. So why normalize? Why not
>> just make a system that "works"?
Date: Wed, 24 Nov 2004 22:15:28 -0500
Message-ID: <hbvf72-eg5.ln1_at_pluto.downsfam.net>
Laconic2 wrote:
> > "Kenneth Downs" <firstinit.lastname_at_lastnameplusfam.net> wrote in message > news:o5ve72-r03.ln1_at_pluto.downsfam.net...
>> We hear the term "Denormalizing for performance" very often, and
>> depending
>> upon who is doing it, there might be an exasperated "et tu brute?" along
>> with it.
>>
>> The informal slogan that serves as a nominal rationalization for
>> denormalization is often given as "Normalize until it hurts, denormalize
>> until it works." This slogan, even though it almost rhymes, does not
>> give
>> us much useful guidance. In this slogan normalization is a bad thing,
>> but
>> actually is given no redeeming value. On the contrary, the denormalized
>> system has the advantage that it *works*. So why normalize? Why not
>> just make a system that "works"?
> > > I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The problem with > "denormalizing" is that it doesn't tell you which way to go. > > "Do you know the way to San Jose?" > "Don't go West." > > Yeah, but... > > When I'm designing a star schema, it's not that I'm "denormalizing". > It's that I'm following a different discipline.
agreed. well put.
-- Kenneth Downs <?php $sig_block="Variable scope? What's that?";?>Received on Thu Nov 25 2004 - 04:15:28 CET