Quoth rpost:
> JOG wrote:
>> and I fear entity-
>> relationship thought as an end to itself can get one stuck in one
>> brittle viewpoint (this is the same concern I have with XML).
>
> My only point is that relational modelling is not inherently neutral,
> and has its own source of brittleness (the need to pick keys).
I'll just barge in and say that "the need to pick keys" is not just in
order to be able to refer. Key constraints are very important for
integrity. I'd want to have key constraints even if I were to use the
magic of E/R for identity and referral. And the ability to use keys for
this if it is appropriate is a strength, not a weakness.
--
Jon
Received on Mon Dec 03 2007 - 13:07:31 CST
