is a unique key on null field bad?

From: Geoffrey <lists(at)serioustechnology(dot)com>
To: PostgreSQL List <pgsql-general(at)postgresql(dot)org>
Subject: is a unique key on null field bad?
Date: 2008-02-20 14:15:22
Message-ID: 47BC35FA.9060106@serioustechnology.com
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So, we are trying to track down some problems we're having with an
implementation of slony on our database. I've posted to the slony list
about this issue, but I wanted to get a more generic response from the
perspective of postgresql.

Is it a 'bad thing' to have a unique key on a field that is often times
null? This application has been running along just fine for a couple of
years now, but when we try to implement a slony replication solution,
this one table consistently has inconsistent data between the primary
node and the slave.

The problem we are having with slony seems to be related to a table that
has just such a key, so we are trying to figure out if this is causing
the problem.

--
Until later, Geoffrey

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little
temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
- Benjamin Franklin

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