One technique I am aware of is to create 2 separate detail data sets - one
with single-character search item (actually, it must be at least 2
characters to satisfy an image requirement for minimum item length) - and
the other without this item as a search item.

The advatages of this technique is that you do not pay the appropriate
overhead for entries that do not require this search item.

Disadvantages include perhaps a slightly more complex design and violations
of third normal form theories, etc.


At 10:23 PM 97/11/05 -0700, you wrote:
>I need to add a new key to an Image detail dataset.  The key is a single
>character with five values (0-4).  About 80% of the 85,000 records will
>have the same key value (0) and thus a long, long chain.  The remaining
>17,000 records should be spread about equally through the other four values
>and still long chains.
>
>I recall someone posted a technique to overcome the long chains situation.
>Unfortunately, it appears that was one message I didn't archive. :(  If
>someone has the original message or knows the technique, could you please
>send it to me via e-mail?  Thanks!
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------
>John Pearce  <[log in to unmask]>       | Bethesda Management Company
>Speaking for only myself             | Colorado Springs, CO  USA
>
>
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