Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] MIS, databases
<mbrown@fensystems.co.uk> Create a query that looks something like: SELECT pupils.name, fsm_status(pupils.id, today), fsm_status(pupils.id, today+1), ...
<mbrown@fensystems.co.uk> Procedure creation and trigger creation is separate - you create
procedure first and then you can create a trigger that calls it if you want. You don't have to use triggers - they just seem to me to be the most obvious way to hook the procedures in, because you can
Still thinking about that. Without actually posting table definition statements here, its hard to figure out whether this solution would be possible. Do you know of any (cross-platform and free, not asking a lot!) tools for producing ER diagrams so the discussion could get more definite? I have never used any such tool, other than whats built into Access, because I have never had to discuss overall database structure with anyone other than myself. <rjg@ateb.co.uk> earlier mentioned the DfEE 'Common Basic Data Set' , any design should be mindful of this, but interest in a successful design with running examples might extend beyond the UK. the then make
almost everything invisible to the database client, giving you a 'clean' interface to the DB.
Can you call the procedures other than via a trigger? Also, what language would you write procedures in? Looking at the postgresql pages, which I referenced earlier, it seems quite a low level task, where you connect it so some other language of your choice, C being given there as an example. My C programming does not extend a great deal further than Hello World. The time it would take to be productive on a given system is important. I have to say that I have never written a line of Interbase procedure code either. Are there visual tools for interacting with a postgresql backend, again x platform? Interbase has several. Richard richard@tortoise.demon.co.uk
On Mon, 7 May 2001 richard@tortoise.demon.co.uk wrote:
Do you know of any (cross-platform and free, not asking a lot!) tools for producing ER diagrams so the discussion could get more definite? I have never used any such tool, other than whats built into Access, because I have never had to discuss overall database structure with anyone other than myself.
If you mean the drag-and-drop table relationships bit of Access (do they call it "Query builder", or am I imagining that bit?), then you can use StarBase instead. It's cross-platform and verging on the free. Dia can (AFAIK) produce ER diagrams, and you can get utilities that will use them to generate SQL. Dia is free, but I'm not sure how cross-platform it is.
Can you call the procedures other than via a trigger?
I would imagine so.
Also, what language would you write procedures in? Looking at the postgresql pages, which I referenced earlier, it seems quite a low level task, where you connect it so some other language of your choice, C being given there as an example. My C programming does not extend a great deal further than Hello World. The time it would take to be productive on a given system is important. I have to say that I have never written a line of Interbase procedure code either.
You can write procedures in at least SQL, Perl and Tcl.
Are there visual tools for interacting with a postgresql backend, again x platform? Interbase has several.
Well, you can use ODBC to connect to the database, in which case you can use GUI tools such as StarBase or Access. Michael
If this is going to be done properly then we will need not only the E-R (Entity Relationship) diagrams but also Entity Life History diagrams for any procedures that will need to be written. Have we an agreed standard to which we are going to operate - eg: SSADM? Surely, the first thing we need to do is to look at what is really required, then develop a 'core' package based upon SQL, but to which school's can add tables etc as required. A major problem with proprietary solutions is that they are a 'one size fits all' approach which causes me no end of frustration. Michael Brown wrote:
Dia can (AFAIK) produce ER diagrams, and you can get utilities that will use them to generate SQL. Dia is free, but I'm not sure how cross-platform it is.
Dia does run under windows but it's very unstable....
Are there visual tools for interacting with a postgresql backend, again x platform? Interbase has several.
In order to be as croiss platform as possible then the best 'front-end' option is HTML, However, I believe both Pascal and Visual basic would interact with SQL via ODBC if nothing else. Lotus Approach does this really well and it works via SQL if required. Open Source 'Visual Basic' is available in the form of Envelop - check it out on sourceforge. What we do need however, is a 'wish list' from schools - start with basic 'Pupil Administration' requirements (names, forms, contacts, medical, teachers, free school meals and learning support stages) and then work from there. I'll submit my ER diagrams asap - I take that Dia will be OK with everyone for this? Alan ----------------------------------------------------- Alan Harris Network Manager Bryngwyn School Tel : 01554 750661 Fax : 01554 758255 E-mail: alanh@bryngwyn.carmarthen.sch ----------------------------------------------------- Notes: 1. The contents of this email may be snooped on by interested government parties for unknown purposes! Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, 2000. 2. The opinions expressed in this email are personal and may not be shared by Bryngwyn School. -----------------------------------------------------
participants (3)
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Alan Harris -
Michael Brown -
richard＠tortoise.demon.co.uk