Re: Proposal: 6NF

dawn wrote:

> Given the definition of NULL that I typically use (with non-SQL based
> solutions), NULL is a value and can be modeled mathematically with the
> empty set. In that case, a relation tuple with a NULL is as valid
> mathematically as one without. Agreed? --dawn

An ultra high level density of bullshit and confusion packed in few sentences...

The fact a construct can be modeled mathematically does not mean it systematically qualifies it as a value. The *ONLY* valid mathematical definition of a *value* consist of having the characteristic of being the output of a *predetermined* transformation (function).

NULLS are a pure input. Nothing can be said of the transformation OR the output and certainly NOT that it could be NULL.

Not convinced? I dare you to produce/define ANY function that certainly produces NULL as an output. If you can't then just shut the hell up...and stop confusing people...

OTOH, one can produce several functions that produce an empty set as an output. An empty set is therefore a value.

After that logical demonstration and all the arguments presented, if there is still a chance that you or anybody believe that NULL is a value that can only mean one thing: that you simply can not or do not want to build logical and sound reasonning. Received on Fri Oct 06 2006 - 23:59:33 CEST