An SQL database is deemed "Relational" when it can communicate mildly
relational data using mildly relational (but mathematically sound)
methods. It doesn't need to be (nor claim to be) the Almighty keeper of
all relationality, nor even simply conform to various specific
interpretations of the word "Relation".
There is no such thing as relational data, data is what it is and the
You call it "pink sky-monkey data" then, I will call it relational data
when it is structured to contain records that stand in relation to other
records. My contention is not to the name of the data but to its
use/function/storage arrangement. Actually, never-mind, I'll concede the
point. It's just data.
Relational Model (E.F.Codd ...) is a way of organising data (any data,
despite many arguments to the contrary). Using "relational" as a sort of
generic term, or as a metaphor, leads to confusion because it hides the
fact that there is a formal system which is behind the creation of SQL
databases, except that the various implementers got it wrong, including
missing out some key points of the Model.
Again... We know. *shrugs*.
Your basic thesis here revolves around "SQL engines do not follow the
letter and the law of the Relational model" - and the reply, same is
before, is "We know. So what?".
(I'm not disagreeing, I'm just not convinced of controversy)
Let me qualify that: Sure you can kick a person who feels controversial
out from behind any Bush, but if such a controversionist had a real
point, then please ask them to provide a select query example which one
of the current engines cannot solve, but which an engine that followed
the REAL path would be able to solve. I'd venture that if you can find
such a real example with real-world application, then mainline DB
engines would quickly incorporate/adopt it.
I can't speak for everyone, but it is my sincere belief that every DB
engine, at the start, intended to be "The One" that was going to be
closest to the relational model and/or the SQL standard - right before
reality intervened.
Cheers,
Ryan
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