Re: [libreoffice-users] definition of flat/relational database

On 03/03/2013 09:39 AM, Mark Stanton wrote:
> I think the (incorrect) definition that is being used is whether LO
> manipulates files directly or talks to a database engine.
>
> I don't think there is a dBase or FoxBase engine.  I'm pretty sure
> there is a Visual FoxPro engine (John doesn't mention VFP, whyzatt
> then? ;) ), however it'll be a Windoze only thing I expect.
>
> So, to answer the original question, LO is calling dBase files flat
> because it can't access a database engine for them and it won't do
> any engine work itself.
>
> A flat database?  Errr, can't think of one, although I know there
> have been such things.
>
> You only had to ask ;)
>
> Regards
> Mark Stanton
Re: the database engine issue:  I think we're muddying the sql concept.  
In the sql environment, a program accepts a command from the client and 
only returns the results that are requested in the sql command (query).  
This became important as database programs were used in, say an order 
entry environment.

Two hundred desktops with PCs and telephones accepting orders:

Non-SQL environment:
Clerk keys in the account number to bring up the customer file.
All 5000 customer records are carried over the network to that PC, where 
the local program filters the data to find the customer and display the 
data.

SQL environment:
The clerk's program accepts the account number from the clerk and 
creates a short query.  The query is sent to the central computer 
(server).  Only the 1 record that meets the account number query is 
returned over the network.

Obviously, the whole system would be very slow if 200 clerks are 
downloading 5000 customer records on each call.  This has nothing to do 
with the relational model.

Re: Microsoft's Visual Foxpro:  I purchased 5.0 when it came out, but I 
was having so many problems with MS Windows 95, and then Windows 98, 
that I decided that my environment could not tolerate the problems. 
(Yellow devils, secret codes to put in config files, yeah right).
Thank God Linux came arround when it did.  I started using Red Hat, 
version 5.2., but I still use DOS (FreeDOS and 4DOS).  It's rock solid. 
  I am still waiting for a database program that will allow me to 
create applications (not pieces of applications, like queries and forms) 
without having to learn C (this old dog is not going to learn that new 
trick!).

set soapbox off,
John




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