Posted by --CELKO-- on 01/31/06 03:36

>> To me, first, next, and last do have meanings in an RDBMS,assuming you have an order. <<

Do you also believe in square circles? This is a matter of definition.
I can post Dr. Codd's 12 rules if you have never read them.

>> I've used cursors all the time without an order by function.my bad. <<

That will give you random results, based on the internal state of the
database at the time of the query.

>> Well, you could write code to tell the engine to return exactly one row back, whether it is null or not. <<

I probably can, but that defeats the whole idea of a set-oriented
language. You wanted a set; an empty set is a set. You are still
thinking in records and files.

>> Celko, you might read a book on fundamental human communications. You
have missed the most important concepts. <<

Please, please, I have worked for years on my "abrassive Zen Master"
Newsgorup persona. Everyone that takes a live class from me is
surprised that I go one-on-one for hours or days after the class until
someone understands things. My attitude is that you should not use a
Newsgroup in place of an education -- actually read Codd, Date,
Dijkstra, et al before you post. Not the high level stuff, but at
least the foundations so you do not sound like a "flat-earther" looking
for a kludge.

>> Perhaps though I am missing your point celko. If so, could you be more precise? <<

Get a copy of DATA & DATABASES for the philosophy of RDBMS,
grasshopper. Come back and I will beat you with a stick some more!

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