When code is developed to be "database generic", developers will steer away from code for a specific database. However, foreign key and check constraints hardly fall into this category. I don't use Sqlserver or DB2, but I would guess that they implement FKs and constraints. Your developers are wasting a lot of time coding something that the database will do for them. The more logic you can put into the database, the better off you are. They'll have to code the constraints all over again when they want to develop a web front-end. You'll probably see some bad data into your tables due to coding bugs. Oracle isn't bug free, but they've got the constraints nailed down pretty well.
Jay >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 10/23/02 01:45PM >>> The developers working on our new VB app are also responsible for setting up the Oracle DB behind it. The app is for an order entry/despatch/warehouse system with >5 million customers and >1000 orders per day. We have nearly 400 tables. They are not planning on using primary keys/secondary keys, as they say they will handle all the constraints via VB. I only have a theoretical knowledge of database design, which says this is very wrong. Is the Oracle system being used as anything more than an expensive file system? In real world scenarios, is this a common practice? Regards Craig Healey **DISCLAIMER This e-mail message and any files transmitted with it are intended for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed and may contain information that is privileged, proprietary and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and delete this e-mail message. The contents do not represent the opinion of D&E except to the extent that it relates to their official business. -- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com -- Author: Jay Hostetter INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fat City Network Services -- 858-538-5051 http://www.fatcity.com San Diego, California -- Mailing list and web hosting services --------------------------------------------------------------------- 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).