Two different tables or just one with bool column?

Question

We have two tables: OriginalDocument and ProcessedDocument. In the first one we put an original, not processed document. After it\'s validated and processed (converted to our XM

Answer 1

To me it sounds that it would make sense to have a bit column, as all documents have actually been processed, it is just that some have been determined to be invalid. And depending on the number of columns if you only have 5 or so out of say 10-15 columns that don't apply, there is no need to manage two structures for the same data.

Now, another thing you could look at is do you need to regularly get information on both valid and invalid documents at the same time? if so, then you really do want it in one table.

If you don't ever need to query them together, or if a document is "invalid" you don't need it again except for history, then it could make sense to move it to its own table.