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1. Parameter strings

2. xml

3. Delimited lists

4. Integers that are interpreted via bit-wise operators for multiple boolean values.

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When you follow this forum or other for a while you'll notice that it seems to be common practice. There are frequently post on how to pass arrays...

Of course, you can store them in a single column. However, they will not be

interpreted like you want.

As usual, I suggest reading this http://www.algonet.se/~sommar/dynamic_sql.html

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Are there any justifications for these practices?

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Honestly...???

The vast majority of cases I have followed here were solved without using these practices.

Well, one might argue that there are economic needs in that your time to market should be very short. So you might implement a design that quickly yields results.

If I have the choice, I'd always would spent more time on proper database design.

Frank

http://www.insidesql.de

http://www.familienzirkus.de