[News] Guidelines for adding, removing or changing persistent classes

[Danny R. Boxhoorn]

Dear reader,

Those of you who are or will be developing Astro-Wise software should be
aware that we now have a situation where several people are using this
software in a common environment. As a result it is no longer possible
to single-handedly make changes to persistent classes.

If you want to add or remove a persistent class or change its persistent
attributes in Python then the existing databases have to be adapted too.
Therefore, if you need to make any such change the procedure to follow is

a) Inform me that you are about to make a change to the data model and
   explain what the difference is. Do not commit it yet.
b) I will inform the DBAs with detailed instructions for changing the database.
c) Wait until you are allowed to commit your changes.

It's as simple as that, but be warned that any change to the data model
affects many users now, so be sure that the change will be permanent.


Hoping that this clarifies the situation regarding changes to the data model,

                                                   Danny