[GENERAL] default column value using a function, trigger, or whatever

[Roderick A. Anderson]

I am trying to come up with a method to have a default value for a 
column based on a function and other columns.  I'm hoping ( well not too 
much ) that what I figure out here will apply to MS SQL Server as I am 
stuck using it unless I can prove there ain't no way it's going to 
happen.  ( Now that the embarrassment of being stuck using SQL Server is 
out of the way. )

I'd like to populate a column with the md5 of ColA || ':' || ColB || ':' 
 || ColC.  A search of the archives ( with the terms I was using ) 
didn't turn up anything useful.

Would this be a function or a trigger?
Actually I can probably find examples in the two PostgreSQL books ( 
Bruce's and the one from Command Prompt ) I have when I get home tonight 
but I couldn't in the docs.  There used to be a PostgreSQL Cookbook but 
it can't find it -- even doing the Google thing.

Thought, ideas, pointers are welcome.
Rod
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