Re: Modelling Considered Harmful

From: Kenneth Downs <knode.wants.this_at_see.sigblock>
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 19:15:08 -0400
Message-Id: <e3j5k2-par.ln1@pluto.downsfam.net>

Paul wrote:

> Kenneth Downs wrote:

>> It is not a dramatic distinction, but I believe it is real.  By the
>> definitions I offered in my OP, the RM is a Model but a database is a
>> system of records.  They are not the same thing, and whenever you call a
>> horse a car you can run into trouble.  Nothing deeper than that.

>
> from your orginal post, one of the definitions of "model" was:
>
> 6. a simplified description of a complex entity or process
>
> I'd argue that any database is a model in this sense, and that there
> isn't any useful distinction to be made between "models" and "systems of
> records".
>
> Paul.

Admittedly the closest, but still a stretch compared with any of the definitions of record-keeping:

That which serves to perpetuate a knowledge of acts or events; -- Kenneth Downs Secure Data Software, Inc. (Ken)nneth@(Sec)ure(Dat)a(.com)

Received on Wed Apr 27 2005 - 18:15:08 CDT