Re: Does Codd's view of a relational database differ from that of Date & Darwin? [M.Gittens]

And this sums up the real problem, which so often gets lost in the discussions.

In practice Nulls are the only solution available, and although problematic they are getting the job done.

Although unanimous in their criticism of NULLs, the DB-Debunks are yet to find agreement on the better approach. Pascal favours the use of meta data, while Darwen suggests the use of vertical decomposition. They do acknowledge, however, that they still don't have the answers.

It is easy to scoff because they are not entire unified on the subject, but they do seem to be the only people to be thinking about the problem  The rest of the industry appear to be satisfied with things as they are. Received on Sat Jun 11 2005 - 18:34:24 CDT