CodeStore.net comments on "Nürburgring in a Tractor - or Knowing When Not To Use Domino"

Reply from Jerry Carter

Jerry Carter — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:15:32 -0500

@Henning - we do have DB2 integration with Notes, but the trouble with making that any easier than it currently is becomes provisioning servers and databases on them. SQL, Oracle and DB2, being that they can command more storage space, tend to reside or expensive storage and have separate security processes, guidelines and methods than Notes. It would be awesome to see that streamlined to the point you envision but there will be for a time always the big clunking gears behind the scenes to contend with.

Another approach might be to add the DB2 engine to Domion but you'd blow the specs of many current deployments out of the water as far as hardware is concerned.

These two animals are so different, about all we can do is put their two cages in the same room and get them to glance at eachother.

Reply from Henning Heinz

Henning Heinz — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 08:53:07 -0500

Unfortunately there are less and less use cases where SQL is not considered as the datastore of choice especially since the free SQL databases have grown up. I would love nsf being brought to the next level perhaps combining the best of both worlds or just adding a sql storage engine and define at db creation what engine to use. And of course I am curious how your app works with LAMF(lex).

Reply from Nick Hopkins

Nick Hopkins — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:45:59 -0500

SQL for anything to do with accounting/booking systems etc. - Notes not suitable.

Wasn't this stated on about the first page of the first book in the CLP Development Part 1 course back in the 90's? (showing my age)

Reply from Robert

Robert — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:47:30 -0500

Jake, at least you can use Mint.com for what you are trying to do. Forget about entering stuff... one always forgets...

spend that time instead on making your baby smile :)

Reply from Jerry Carter

Jerry Carter — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:58:11 -0500

@Tommy - I would expect Java to have, out of the box, many of the same problems LS does as it is an academic / scientific language first and foremost. I think the discussion we had over at my blog about data types and floating precision demonstrates that any language is going to need close watching when it comes to accounting. Statistical or scientific applications, LS is fine for, as is Java. Accounting with that constant threat of death from the taxman requires unyielding precision (sometimes) which requires us to redo some of the things computer scientists think correct with math.

Now - structured queries - you could conceivably use Java agents with SpringDAO to make it an easier go, where by Domino becomes your light weight J2EE container (sort of) if you really really wanted to. Could do. Not saying it makes a whole lot of sense, but could do. :-)

Reply from Tommy Valand

Tommy Valand — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:36:35 -0500

@Jerry/Jake(?): LotusScript is shit for math, but regarding programming languages, Domino is not a one trick pony. Java should be more than good enough for number crunching..?

Regarding structured queries. That's another story.. :)

Reply from Jerry Carter

Jerry Carter — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:37:52 -0500

I think you're making the right call Jake, not to sound like a sycophant. Domino + accounting problems were the topic this week at work http://datatribesoftwerks.com/A55C1C/DatatribeBlog.nsf/archive/20090306-5D4B0D and aside from not being able to query data in a structured way (easily), there is the more purely computer scientific way Domino handles floating point math.

So, you won't regret your choice of tool in this case and I expect it should be clear to all that you're making a choice of proper tool for the job, not an arbitrary one.

btw - we have this odd sport in the US called the Tractor Pull, where by gentlemen with large sums of time, money and courage put enormously powerful (sometimes jet turbine) engines on otherwise normal farming implements. I dare say one of those would handle the straightaways just fine, though cornering would be somewhat less graceful.

Reply from john wylie

john wylie — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 07:12:37 -0500

and another thing :-) - I'd love to drive the Nürburgring. something faster than a tractor would be nice.

Reply from john wylie

john wylie — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 07:06:37 -0500

Hi Jake

Domino may not be the perfect backend for your accounts app - however that app is a really cool example of Flex on Domino as it stands. The UI just seems that bit more friendly.

One for OpenNTF ?

Cheers

John