Re: theory and practice: ying and yang

"David Cressey" <david.cressey_at_earthlink.net> wrote in message news:1Zume.10183$uR4.5282_at_newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.net...
>
> "mountain man" <hobbit_at_southern_seaweed.com.op> wrote in message
> news:Jmhme.6075$BR4.3193_at_news-server.bigpond.net.au...
>
>> If you disagree, which of the 25 chapters of his
>> "Introduction to Database System" (7th Ed)
>> would you put forward as the least theoretical,
>> and most concerned with practice?
>
> I'm not going to try to make that case.
>
> What I base my opinion on is several delightful articles on the subject of
> "Theory IS Practical", in which the consequences of going against theory
> are explored. In the cases Date outlines, the practical consequences are
> adverse.
>
> When those who know some body of theory deliberately make a design choice
> that the theory doesn't recommend, for reasons that are outside the scope
> of the theory, it can work out well. When those who don't know some body
> of theory design without regard to it, the results are frequently
> disastrous.

I have no argument with this POV, IFF the theory is practical.

That the theory is practical at the initial design phase, is reasonably well accepted. There is no substitute for the practicality of this theory, except if it can be extended to take into account other issues in the real of database systems - such as the case of stored procedure objects, and their relationship to the data of the organisation.

However the implementation is just one instance in the life of the database system, and theory should be seen to NOT expire at implementation, when in fact it can provide invaluable use for the life of the database.

In other threads I have repeatedly asked the question "Is the theory used or referred to during the process of change management"? and similarly, does Date (or others) outline instances of use of the theory after "implementation"?

I have yet to understand whether or not this is a "recognised use" of the RM. Do you happen to know?

-- 
Pete Brown
Falls Creek
OZ
www.mountainman.com.au