Re: More stupid database tricks

"David Cressey" <david.cressey_at_earthlink.net> wrote:

> <silly>
>
> 27. We tried classic schemas, but change management of the schema was just
> too difficult. Here's what we do, instead:
>
> We store everything inside a single table, with just four columns, named
> object_id, attribute_id, type_code, and string_val. The primary key is
> object_id, attribute_id.
>
> Whenever we need to know the value of an attribute, we just look it up in
> the table, and then cast the string_val according to the type_code.
>
> Now our metadata is just as flexible as our data. And the programmers love
> it!
> </silly>

I saw a critique of this approach (the one table fits all method) somewhere on the internet.

You wouldn't have a link?

Paul...  

-- 

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