On Tue, 2022-10-04 at 09:41 +0200, Peter Eisentraut wrote:
> In PostgreSQL 10, we added identity columns, as an alternative to serial
> columns (since 6.something). They mostly work the same. Identity
> columns are SQL-conforming, have some more features (e.g., overriding
> clause), and are a bit more robust in schema management. Some of that
> was described in [0]. AFAICT, there have been no complaints since that
> identity columns lack features or are somehow a regression over serial
> columns.
>
> But clearly, the syntax "serial" is more handy, and most casual examples
> use that syntax. So it seems like we are stuck with maintaining these
> two variants in parallel forever. I was thinking we could nudge this a
> little by remapping "serial" internally to create an identity column
> instead. At least then over time, the use of the older serial
> mechanisms would go away.
I think that would be great.
That might generate some confusion among users who follow old tutorials
and are surprised that the eventual table definition differs, but I'd say
that is a good thing.
Yours,
Laurenz Albe
