Re: Package support for Postgres

>I think Jean-Michael's comments were right. While I'm not sure if things
>will be as overwhelming as he predicted, packages (even as implimented in
>my patch) will help people develop code libraries for PostgreSQL. And that
>will make PostgreSQL applications easier.

PostgreSQL is a fantastic tool which lacks a few features to become #1.
IMHO, these features are :
> Beginners: ability to drop and reorganize columns. I know this sounds
stupid for hackers, but this is #1 need when migrating from beginner tools
such as MySQL or Access. Candidates?
> Advanced users: PACKAGE support to create and distribute software
libraries. CREATE OR REPLACE VIEW, CREATE OR REPLACE TRIGGER, etc...
PL/pgSQL installation by default with infinite loop protection.
> Professionnal user: PostgreSQL does not lack many things. Maybe
server-side Java would be great in terms of object/inheritence approach. I
run several databases, one being hosted on a double Pentium Linux box with
U2W discs. When using triggers, views, rules and PL/pgSQL, applications can
be optimized so much that you "hardly" reach the hardware limits.
> Power users: load balancing, replication, tablespace. I can't really say.

I first discovered PostgreSQL when localizing Oracle8i to French. We asked
Oracle if I could use their software to help us during the translation
process. They answered "OK, but you have to pay $xx.xxx because you have a
double processor box". This was about twice the price we were getting paid.
That day, I understood Oracle did not care about its users and was only
interested in fast, short term profit.

Cheers,
Jean-Michel