Michael,

Sorted paths are there for a reason.  Basically fast retrieval, for
"mainly" terminal access.  So if the average chain length is 1-20 and
the user is looking up realtime information on a terminal, possibly in
front or on the phone with a customer, great use them.

However, I had one circumstance where the average sorted chain length
was 60K.  It took the customer 24 hours to process 1400 invoices.  We
removed the chain and it took 20 minutes.

The programmers told me the chain was there for two screens in
shipping.  Now I would believe them if there were a screen capable of
showing 60K entries, but there obviously isn't.

Bottom line is sorted chains are made available for a particular
instances, they like everything else should be used in moderation.

-Craig



--- Michael Anderson <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hello to all,
>
> Quick question;
>
> I am in the process of designing an Image database, for quick
> day-time
> inquiry, batch updates run at night. Because of this kind of database
> usage, and the fact that it is mainly static historical data, and
> fast
> retrieval is the number one requirement. I have used lots of paths,
> including sorted paths. So called experts tell me all the time, not
> to
> used too many paths, and never sorted paths. I disagree with
> unconditional rules,  Like Never! Why is it that Image has sorted
> paths?
> Like: Lets design in a feature, and tell everyone to avoid it at all
> cost, doh. I understand the overhead, but that's only during
> DBPUT,DBDELETE, right? Just looking at and old 1984 article that made
> mention of Skipper. Has anyone ever used Skipper, a COBOL interface
> for
> Image (on-the-fly chain sorts). I am curious about it, what it is, or
> was, anyone know of this?
>
> Would it be a wiser use of resources if I remove all paths before the
> nightly batch updates, and re-add the paths when the batch updates
> are
> complete? And of course I am referring to using ADAGER!
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Michael Anderson
> Spring Independent School District
> 16717 Ella Boulevard
> Houston, Texas 77090-4299
> office: 281.586.1105
> fax: 281.586.1187
> -
>
> * To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, *
> * etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *


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