Re: generic modelling of data models; enforcing constraints dynamically...

I guess it IS quite overengineered indeed...
What I'm trying to do is to facilitate different fieldwork methodologies for
archaeological research (on project basis); there is no final agreement on
data structure and semantics; however, on a meta-level all choices are
rational and can be modelled... Infact, all models can be related to each
other: that's where the "hybrid" part comes in: I wish to implement the
common denominator (90%) and then further extend this, enabing specific data
model implementations -- including checks for data integrity.

As soon as that works, it becomes possible to record changes at row-level --
providing access to data-snapshots in time. Furthermore, it becomes possible
to build upon this central database automated tools for management and
filing of information and different modes of data entry (including
webbased)...

The thing is: altering table structures (changes should be limited to adding
columns) is required on a ad hoc basis and End User should be able to do
so... I guess that requires some over engineering... ?

Rob

2009/9/24 Sam Mason <sam(at)samason(dot)me(dot)uk>

> On Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 10:33:37PM +0200, InterRob wrote:
> > I came to think of another option: putting additional columns (that is:
> > addittional to the default set of fields) in xml, in a column that is
> part
> > of row (=object) it belongs to.
> > Any body has done so before? Any body has experience with XML schema
> > validation within PostgreSQL?
>
> Sorry; but was sounding a little over engineered before, it seems to be
> blowing out of proportion now. By whom and how are these (immensely
> complicated) rule sets going to be maintained? how is using XML going to
> make this any easier than using the tools native to the database?
>
> If they're validated inside the database then it's going to be done by a
> DB admin anyway, or am I missing something? If they're done by the DB
> admin, isn't it easy to just use the tools they're used to?
>
> --
> Sam http://samason.me.uk/
>
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