In an earlier post, I discussed the merits and deficiencies around using the * syntax in a SELECT statement.
I have been using this topic as a way to bring up lively discussions while doing database tools demos for our SQL and Oracle customers. I must admit I am extremely dismayed by the amount of Senior level folks who do not understand why this is not an ideal way to write queries.
In a lot of cases I have had to stop the topic rather abruptly. To push it any further would be tantamount to insulting the audience’s intelligence. That is the LAST thing I want to do. I am here to help people, not to make them feel inadequate or deficient.
The Problem is Me
I’m not wrong, but my approach is. Instead of introducing the topic with a ‘What’s wrong with this query’, I need to slowly build the case with short questions that have easy ‘Yes’ answers in quick succession. When I get to the SELECT * piece, I will have a much better chance of getting folks to re-evaluate the way they have been doing things for the past X years.
This is Why I Blog
Putting down my random thoughts at the airport watering hole makes me a better resource for my customers, a better critical thinking, and in many cases a better person.
