Hello,

I came across the article below and thought this might interest
at least some people on this list.

Regards,

Arjen

------------------------------------------

Title:
Semantic errors in SQL queries: A quite complete list

Authors:
Brass, S; Goldberg, C

Source:
JOURNAL OF SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE 79 (5): 630-644 MAY 2006

Language:
English

Document Type:
Article

Author Keywords:
databases; SQL; queries; bugs; errors; semantic errors; logical errors; 
software correctness; *static* *analysis*; teaching; database courses; SQL exams

Keywords Plus:
PERFORMANCE

Abstract:
We investigate classes of SQL queries which are syntactically correct, but 
certainly not intended, no matter for which task the query was written. For 
instance, queries that are contradictory, i.e. always return the empty set, are 
obviously not intended. However, current database management systems (DBMS) 
execute such queries without any warning. In this paper, we give an extensive 
list of conditions that are strong indications of semantic errors. Of course, 
questions like the satisfiability are in general undecidable, but a significant 
subset of SQL queries can actually be checked. We believe that future DBMS will 
perform such checks and that the generated warnings will help to develop 
application programs with fewer bugs in less time. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All 
rights reserved.


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