Hi Scott, > I have created a web-based simple application, and used mysql for data storage. All has worked well. But I do have a simple question I would like to ask the group. > > I have some web-based forms that match table structure. Most of the important fields have validation, and I ensure good data into the table. But I have a few columns in the table such as "middleInitial" where I do not validate the data. And in the database is shows a null when I do a select * from. > > Is a null acceptable in the database, or is there something I should do on columns that the user may not put in data?
Given that NULL means "unknown" and there's no value/state for "non applicable", NULLs don't belong in places where you actually want to fill in "nothing" or "empty". An empty string is an empty string. Why not insert that instead? With regards, Martijn Tonies Database Workbench - tool for InterBase, Firebird, MySQL, Oracle & MS SQL Server Upscene Productions http://www.upscene.com Database development questions? Check the forum! http://www.databasedevelopmentforum.com -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe: http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
