Vernon,
> >> One field of a table stores an array of characters in a string fromat as
> >> "a,b,c,d". Is anyway to apply a select statement without using stored
> >> procedure?
> The reason I use this format for an array is that the array is dynamic. I
have quite few cases of this type of situation. The
> maximize length in some cases is known, is unknown in others. I have learnt
the comment separated format is one way
> to solve the problem. Someone also suggested to store the array as an
object. I am not sure whether it works or not.
> The application is written in Java, by the way.
You should store this data in a sub-table linked through a foriegn key.
Period. Messing with arrays will only lead you to heartache ...
Try the book "Database Design For Mere Mortals" for a primer on SQL DB design.
--
-Josh BerkusAglio Database SolutionsSan Francisco
