Guideline 3
– As far as possible, avoid placing attributes in a base
relation whose values may frequently be NULL.
– If NULLs are unavoidable, make sure that they apply
in exceptional cases only and do not apply to a
majority of tuples in the relation.
• The attribute does not apply to this tuple.
– For example, Visa_status may not apply to U.S. students.
• The attribute value for this tuple is unknown.
– For example, the Date_of_birth may be unknown for an
employee.
• The value is known but absent; that is, it has not been
recorded yet.
– For example, the Home_Phone_Number for an employee may
exist, but may not be available and recorded yet.