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Thread: Space character for Primary Key field

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2000
    Location
    Silver Spring MD USA
    Posts
    105

    Thumbs down

    I work with a former DB2 DBA who is requesting me to insert a space character in a primary key field. I don't like this idea one bit, but I'm not sure how best to approach it.

    The table will be a reference table.

    My arguments so far:
    - Space character and null values are indistinguishable to humans, therefore loses meaning
    - A distinct character value is more meaningful
    - 'Cuz I said so....

    Help!
    I need some strong arguments!

    thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Posts
    75

    Space in key

    I would say NULL means no value available right now where as space means the values is available and blank.

    So, go by business logic rather then by DB2 DBA.

    Kailash Pareek

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2000
    Location
    Silver Spring MD USA
    Posts
    105
    I agree.
    They wanted to put a space to represent an unknown value.
    Blank should be for unknown values, not a space character.

    Thanks

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