Re[2]: Normalization

 On normalisation - it is probably worth pointing out that - although
 eliminating redundancy is indeed an important part of the process - it
 is only a part. Other activities include resolving inter-key and
 inter-attribute dependencies.

 Irrespective of the particular mechanisms applied in the process of
 normalisation (of which the above are examples), the whole thrust is
 to ensure that one creates a logical, internally consistent data
 model, which is then implemented by the RDBMS - and that is the great
 strength of the RDBMS - it supports the physical implementation of a
 correctly designed logical data model (well, with certain caveats
 according to the product).

 The process of normalisation is the product of sound reasoning. The
 benefit of applying the process is that, if the results of a data
 query should ever be challenged, one can turn to the data model
 design and demonstrate totally unambiguously that there are no
 inconsistencies in that design, therefore the query outputs MUST be
 correct. Err, this could be rather important...

 If you are querying from a non-normalised data model, you can never
 claim that assurance. And if that assurance is not required, well, as
 Jared said, why bother with the expense of an RDBMS - use a text
 file with sed/grep etc....

peter
edinburgh
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