Patrice, You write:
"> What is the meaning of "relational" in "relational database" again?" Apparently not what you think. The relational in 'relational database' comes from the term relation--a certain type of mathematical table in set theory. It has nothing at all to do with relationships (the confusing term chosen for the connections between relations in a RDBMS). Thus the hideous monstrosity described in this thread is not non-relational because it is stuffed into a single table (relation), however it is also NOT normalized and NOT usable. One could, however, argue that this makes it non-relational in that it is so lacking in normalization that it cannot be distinguished from a flat file. The boss described here is similar in many ways to a flat file--obtuse, limited, stubborn and out-of-date technologically. But I would rather deal with a flat file any day than with such a flat- headed person. Regards, Chris Gait On 27 Feb 2002, at 12:28, Boivin, Patrice J wrote: Date sent: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 12:28:25 -0800 To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Send reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Organization: Fat City Network Services, San Diego, California > What is the meaning of "relational" in "relational database" again? > > Good grief. > > Regards, > Patrice Boivin > Systems Analyst (Oracle Certified DBA) > > -- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com -- Author: INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fat City Network Services -- (858) 538-5051 FAX: (858) 538-5051 San Diego, California -- Public Internet access / Mailing Lists -------------------------------------------------------------------- To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing).
