Re: foundations of relational theory?

Tony Gravagno wrote:
> Now to Bob's comment: "the whole point of a logical data model is to
> keep logical integrity issues from becoming implementation specific" -
> gimme a break... Every relational environment has a different
> implementation of SQL, different internal file structures, and
> different mechanisms for managing updates with record locks. Any of
> these factors are a possible point of failure in a migration.
> Relational schemas can hardly be considered implementation independent
> when porting anything but the simplest schema requires changes to any
> procedures and queries that operate on the data. Oh sure, assuming
> you've completely re-written the implementation in another
> environment, all of the data will port. Sheesh, we can do that with
> any Pick environment too.

But Tony, these are merely practicalities...to paraphrase one of those charmers on cdt, (they're) not interested in your file structure.

This is not entirely facetious...the overall tone of the cdt posts is that theory is all; any critique of SQL/Oracle etc is dismissed as "those products are not pure relational."

So if this discussion is to have any meaning, we need to allow for a strong bias on their side; I'm glad that recent posters have actually engaged on a reasonable basis instead of spouting invective. Perhaps this can evolve to a discussion of priorities and strategies in application development instead of purely theoretical niceties. The odd thing for me is that for all the time I was involved in development at the systems level, developing a schema for Pick was always high on my priority list. This level of attack here makes me reflexively dismiss the absolutely sound reasons we should have one, and it isn't to placate anyone.

Aside: I note that Costin, Badodour etc tone their posts down considerably on the cdt side, they actually have something to say (albeit thru the relational blinders they wear;) no calling people idiots and shitty over there, and it surely ain't because they don't think it. Perhaps momma yanks their chains when they get too far out of hand.

Chandru Murthi Received on Tue Oct 28 2003 - 15:23:58 CET