Path Dependence in Relational Design
The article delves into path dependence in relational design, comparing surrogate and natural keys in a database schema for an issue tracker. It stresses key choice significance and schema alteration challenges.
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The article discusses the concept of path dependence in relational design, using the example of an issue tracker with comments and upvotes. It presents two paths taken in designing the database schema, one with a surrogate primary key and the other with a composite natural key. The author explores the implications of each approach and the challenges of altering the schema in an existing system. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the variations in relational design and the trade-offs between natural and surrogate keys. It also emphasizes the inevitability of path-dependent variations in physical models. The article concludes by underlining the significance of the primary key choice in relational models and the need to explain these variations, especially in educational contexts. The logical model remains consistent regardless of the path taken, showcasing the impact of path dependence on the final table design.
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