Re: File Normalization Question

[Bob Williams <rdws@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

JULANNFRA@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Hi Everyone, I have a question (obviously).  I am looking at this software
> package that has redundant information within some of its detail files.  For
> years I have felt this was bad programming, however, this package does
> include (supposedly) a user report writer function.  I am wondering if I am
> looking at a bad database file setup or a database system that is created for
> user ease in creating reports (queries).  Thank you in advance.  Are query
> functions eliminating the need to have top (1st?) normalization of its
> database files?       Julie

Julie,

Redundant data...is redundant data..!   However...in todays User give me 
all the data i want now world and the reporting tools now available, 
this becomes more difficult to adhere to.  Master type files should not 
contain redundant data(a given).  Detail transaction based files may 
appear to have redundant data, when in fact they do not(ie..price in 
price master vs price in order detail...and this is not due to adhoc 
reporting).  If static information is stored in multiple locations it 
is redundant data.  

Keeping files properly normalized and meeting the ease of access needs 
of the data, is a very debateable subject and not always easy to 
resolve. 

     good luck...  Bob Williams
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