Re: Date *HIVAL was Urgent!!! NULLS & ZEROS

comments inline....

Stone, Brad V (TC) wrote:
> 
> A couple I can think of off the top of my head.
> 
> 1. performace

   We use them and have not noticed any significant performance hit. We
   figured that the ease of use and maintenance far out weighs any 
   performance hit we would have.

> 2. no "zero-date" (*LOVAL doesn't count...)

    There is no such thing as a "zero date".  If you need one use null.
    That is what null is for, the lack of having any valid date at the
    time the record is written.  To me, a "zero date" does not cut it,
    does not exist, and is invalid.

> 
> There are more, but since I don't use them, I don't know them all.  I've
> never heard more people have problems with something than the date data
> type.  Well, maybe the SMTP server...  ;)
> 
> If you want to use em, fine.  I don't.  Nothing wrong with numeric dates.
> Why create a new data type?  It doesn't make it any more Y2K compilant.  The
> only GOOD thing i have found is you can move them right into a 10 character
> text field and they will be displayed nicely.  But, with a move (two max) I
> can do that with a numeric data type as well.

    Most DBs have a separate date data type.  They are a different type of
    animal, so why not have it?  Also, why should I worry about needing to
    create all kinds of utilities to calc numeric dates when it is all done
    for me in date date types.  Another good reason we decided to use them.
    
    This is just my 2 cents worth.  No war starting intended. :-))
   
------------------------------------------------------
Scott P. Johnson
Programmer/Analyst
IBM Certified Specialist - AS/400 RPG Programmer
Highsmith Inc.
W5527 Hwy 106, PO BOX 800
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-0800
TEL:  920-563-9571                FAX:  920-563-7395
sjohnson@highsmith.com
www.highsmith.com
------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Bradley V. Stone
> BVS/Tools - www.bvstools.com
> Netshare400 - www.netshare400.com
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