> Hmmm, if the field does not exist, you can't assign a value to it
> when using "Select *" (understandable :-), but you _can_ assign
> value to it when using "Select a,b,c" ??

Ah, this response is now 4 things deep and has probably lost its
original context.

Of course you have the same problem with if you have named the fields
that are no longer there, but if the field is in use then it would be
unlikely to be removed.

Select *
from Employee

If you add all fields to this query, you are likely to end up with
numerous fields that may be dropped.

select id, name
from employee

Is a lot safer. You would never drop name field (without rewriting the
query).

Anyhow, feel free to use select * to avoid having to carefully plan
which fields you actually need. Just don't say you weren't warned
about the potential problems.

Adam