RE: Data storage, data exchange, data manipulation

["Bullard, Claude L (Len)" <clbullar@ingr.com>]

For many reasons, schema design IS an art form, not a 
science.  Lots of different methodologies can be applied, 
the conceptualization and schematization based on observation 
of any domain remains largely a "dealer's choice" then 
(as in the spelling), a matter of frequency of use.

Len 
http://www.mp3.com/LenBullard

Ekam sat.h, Vipraah bahudhaa vadanti.
Daamyata. Datta. Dayadhvam.h


-----Original Message-----
From: Ronald Bourret [mailto:rpbourret@rpbourret.com]

Jeff Lowery wrote:
> I think object-relational databases have some promise. Knowing how to
> decompose and XML hierarchy just enough to result in an efficient relation
> model is more of an art than a science right now: I don't think you get
much
> benefit if all parent-child relations are rigorously broken down into
> primary/FK pairs, for instance.

I think this is very true and will probably remain an art. One
experience we've gotten from tools that automatically generate database
schema from DTDs is that it often results in very inefficient storage
models.