Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by tabtab 3011 days ago
Implement a Dynamic Relational database: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/66385/dynamic-database-s... We have plenty of dynamic languages, but no viable dynamic relational databases. There are dynamic databases, but they are either not relational, or use a query language nobody is familiar with. Dynamic Relational can use SQL with only minor modifications from "static" SQL. It only adjusts RDBMS conventions just enough to get dynamism, but keeps enough the same to reduce the learning curve.
1 comments
oneweekwonder 3011 days ago
Have you looked at pgsql JSONB datatype and functions[0]? A lot of the "dynamic database" ideas can be implemented using the datatype, and then you have "dynamic sql" available on a already robust rdbms.

[0]: https://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/static/functions-jso...

link
tabtab 3009 days ago
For one, it requires learning "new ways" to query, and arguably awkward ways. The goal of Dynamic Relational is to only change the features/conventions of existing RDBMS that affect dynamic-ness in order to reduce the learning curve for those already familiar with RDBMS.
link
oneweekwonder 3007 days ago
Wait, what is your end goal with a dynamic relational database?

Changing features/conventions will always create a new learning give.

What is dynamic-ness in RDBMS? It feels like you describing a problem that does not exist.

link
tabtab 3006 days ago
The fact that non-relational or quasi-relational dynamic solutions already exist show there's a need for dynamism. And, I agree that SOME changes are necessary to get the target feature(s), such as dynamism, but it's logical to change as little as possible when inserting the features to reduce the learning curve.

Now, one may argue that add-ons to existing RDBMS give dynamic abilities, but as I suggested before, they are awkward and verbose. If dynamism is a primary feature one wants in an RDBMS, then the verbose approach is not desired.

I welcome other suggestions to achieve similar goals, but as of now, the D.R. suggestion seems the best balance. The goals are: dynamism as a primary feature, and a small learning curve for those already familiar with RDBMS. Go!

link