The so-called "rule 0" of relational databases *is* that all information
has to be available in relational form, i.e. in queriable form.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codd's_12_rules
Cheers, Tony.
On Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:19:25 +0100, Michael Kay <> wrote:
>> In a relational database, a standard query
>> allows to retreive data, but does not allow to investigate
>> the design of the database
>
> Not true. The SQL standard defines a standard set of tables that hold
> metadata, ie. information about tables and columns. At any rate, it did
> so
> about 20 years ago which was the last time I looked.
>
> Michael Kay
> http://www.saxonica.com/
--
Anthony B. Coates
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Miley Watts LLP
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