I want to thank everyone that contributed to this mailing list with their knowledge of database data types and their insights about either using the HSQL embedded engine or some other database system.
I do agree that deciding on the hardware (like in stand-alone vs server options) and the most appropriate database system are fundamental in database design. I also think that this questions will be done by some kind of professional who is building a complex database and can freely move from one option to the other. In contrast, the tutorial Andrew is helping me to write will focus on an average user of OO who just discovered Base and is thinking that maybe he could develop a small application to keep track of clients, orders and payments for his own little business or professional practice. So I have decided that the user of this mid-level tutorial: 1.Has read about building tables, forms and queries in other Base tutorials BUT 2.Has no formal idea of what a database is or how it's structured 3.Has no information about the factors in deciding how to structure tables or the relations of data. 4.Has no notions about implementing the previous considerations with Base 5 AND still would like to invest the time to develop a small database with Base to handle information relevant to him/her. Additionally, and for the sake of defining the limits of the tutorial, Andrew has helped me decided that the average database user will need to develop and application that has only one formal user (role), and that this application will run as a stand-alone in his/her computer. All other parameters (content, scope, level of training, etc.) will be based on the considerations mentioned above. Andrew, thank you for the material you have sent to me. I am currently studying it. You said that multiple Base data types will map to common Java data types. I think that this means that there are more names than categories. I guess that the differences make sense when Base is being used as a front end for other database systems and users, but behave in an identical form when used with the HSQL engine. If this is correct, can you tell me which are the ones that can be considered identical/interchangeable? Can you also explain to me how does Base (or the user) chose among strict or lax modes of operation (in data type assignment)? And lastly, what are scalar values? How do you scale them? When do you use them? Thanks beforehand! Mariano Mariano --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
