The Theory Of Meaningless Numbers TMN01
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The Theory Of Meaningless Numbers (TMN01)
Understanding Meaningless Numbers
Introduction
Meaningless numbers, often found as ID and CODE columns, serve as unique identifiers in database tables. Created by computer programmers, these numbers traditionally required users to remember associations like "D" for Doctor or "402" for a specific customer. However, in modern programming, it's best not to subject users to memorizing such arbitrary codes. These numbers, along with meaningless letter combinations, are integral to database design but should remain invisible to users.Purpose
The key is to ensure users aren't burdened with remembering codes like "402" for General Electric in Massachusetts or "791" for their Turbine Division. Instead, programmers can use these codes as foundational elements for database relationships, keeping them hidden from user view. An exemplary application of this approach is RoloFlex by Applause Software, where each table is organized with a unique meaningless number.Meaningful Numbers Explained
Definition
A meaningful number is one that users frequently reference, such as Purchase Order4067 or Sales Order #1. These numbers are often printed and become a primary means of identifying records. When checking a speeding ticket, for instance, you might search by name but process payments using the ticket number, like 352-4635A, for efficiency.
Coexistence of Numbers
Meaningful and meaningless numbers can coexist within a database table. Numeric meaningless numbers serve as unique identifiers, while meaningful numbers help users easily find records. For instance, a database might use an auto-incremented ID for internal relationships and an alphanumeric ticket number for user searches.Proposed Table Structure
Consider the following table designs:- Fines
- ID: Numeric, Unique
- TicketNo: Alphanumeric, Unique
- VIN_ID: Numeric, Relates to VIN
- SSN_ID: Numeric, Relates to SSN
- VIN
- ID: Numeric, Unique
- VIN: Alphanumeric, Unique
- SSN
- ID: Numeric, Unique
- SSN: Alphanumeric, Unique
This configuration illustrates the harmonious use of both meaningless and meaningful numbers.
The Role of Meaningless Numbers
Functionality
Meaningless numbers are essential to relational databases but should remain hidden from users. They facilitate relationships between tables without requiring user interaction. For example, RoloFlex uses a 10-digit unique ID that is invisible to users, ensuring streamlined identification without compromising usability.Design Considerations
When creating databases, it's crucial to decide whether a field should be meaningful or meaningless. For part numbers, both can be beneficial. This approach allows for seamless updates or corrections to part numbers without affecting underlying relationships.Example from RoloFlex
In the RoloFlex system, database tables use unique 10-digit numeric IDs, which are auto-incremented and not visible to users. This ensures long-term scalability and integrity. Many programmers have faced issues with needing to expand field sizes due to data growth; however, by employing meaningless numbers, these challenges are mitigated.Conclusion
Summary
Meaningless numbers play a critical role in maintaining robust database relationships. While they shouldn't be part of data entry, their use as foundational elements far outweighs the downsides of using meaningful numbers for relational purposes. Simply put, each database table should utilize an ID field for establishing relationships, freeing developers to adjust other columns without compromising the database's integrity.By allowing users to interact with only meaningful numbers, while leveraging a foundation of hidden data architecture, a database can achieve both usability and efficiency.
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