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# SQL Server: Singular vs Plural Table Names

I always name SQL tables in plural. Heck, in Ruby on Rails or similar frameworks (like CakePHP) you must name them in plural. This frameworks even know irregular nouns like children or mice.

12/13/2006 11:00 AM | Roman Kopac

# SQL Server: Singular vs Plural Table Names

I've always used names in the plural too, so it's nice to know others lean the same way :) For me it just sounded 'nicer' and so I never stopped to think much about it.

Is there any reason why Ruby on Rails requires you to name them in the plural? I'd be interested in reading a bit about that if you have a link or two handy.

Cheers

12/13/2006 11:41 AM | Ross Hawkins

# SQL Server: Singular vs Plural Table Names

One of RoR's guidelines is 'convention over configuration'. RoR also closely follows the Model-View-Controller pattern that helps you to separate data (Model) and user interface (View). Between them sits the Controller that does all the logic.

This whole plural/singular issue comes in handy when you need to connect your model class to your database tables. You can read all about MVC pattern and RoR here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_view_controller

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby_on_Rails

http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/library/l-rubyrails/

http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/db2/library/techarticle/dm-0606dumbill/

http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/web/library/j-cb05096.html

http://www.sitepoint.com/article/ruby-on-rails

12/13/2006 11:15 PM | Roman Kopac

# SQL Server: Singular vs Plural Table Names

Thanks Roman, there's some good reading there. I've been meaning to have a play with RoR for quite some time, maybe these links will help me finally get organised and get something underway.

12/14/2006 10:30 AM | Ross Hawkins

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