This discussion:

> > > ... create a column with the key word "IDENTITY" ... and
> > > the database will do the automatic plumbing of creating the
> > > generator and trigger.

> > Why not get yourself a decent developer tool that does such a thing
> > with a mouseclick?
>
>True but tools such as these aren't always available depending on
>where you are working. It would be nice to have it in the DB and it
>would make sql scripts shorter and easier to read.

Leads me to this thought. When I was younger, and even more
foolish, I really liked building magic DWIM (do what I mean)
into things - little bits of magic that make life easier.

Those little bits of magic turn out to become horrible impediments
to progress. Keeping the engine simple and predictable really helps
keep it extensible. Automatic plumbing often turns out to have
been built into a wall you've got to knock out to extend capabilities.

Regards,


Ann