> > Furthermore, you can add a column with a NOT NULL constraint on it
> > and immediately make your database unrestorable if you don't go in >
> and
> > populate your existing rows.
> >
>
> Ouch, (a good case for creating a backup before running any DDL script).

IMO, albeit caused by a user, Firebird should have some gbak switch
that makes your database restorable always, but raise warnings while
doing so.

Being able to make your database unrestorable by a valid DDL statement
is kinda stupid.

Many database engines don't allowed "not null" columns to be added without
a "default clause" if there's data in the table. Perhaps Firebird can do the
same?

With regards,

Martijn Tonies
Database Workbench - tool for InterBase, Firebird, MySQL, Oracle & MS SQL
Server
Upscene Productions
http://www.upscene.com
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