Posted by Doug on 01/31/06 05:57

>> 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.

Really???? Wow. Could you point me to the documentation that states
that you will get a different set of data for your cursor if you don't
use an order by statement?

So which is it? Are we set based, or are we "set based, but sets are
different depending on whether they are in order and in a cursor."


>> 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.

Hmmm. Would you care to discuss the example of "existance?" To me, an
empty set is different then a non-empty set. They even have words to
differentiate the two.

>> 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.

In retrospect, your arrogant and conceited persona couldn't be natural.
It must be cultivated.

>My attitude is

fairly obnoxious.


> 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.

Oh, well, it turns out I do have an education, and years ago I did read
the books in question. Eventually, I went on to work with real world
business people to solve real world business problems.
Real world is a lot more interesting then theory. Those danged peoples
come up with so MANY different permutations and desires!!!!!\

I am rusty, and I miss it. Theory is fun too, as is poking fun at
myself !!!!!

doug "obviously hasn't played with 2005 much"

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