> >> You could make a case that we need *three* numbers: a permanent
column
> >> ID, a display position, and a storage position.
>
> > Could this not be handled by some catalog fixup after an add/drop?
If we
> > get the having 3 numbers you will almost have me convinced that this
> > might be too complicated after all.
>
> Actually, the more I think about it the more I think that 3 numbers
> might be the answer. 99% of the code would use only the permanent ID.
I am still of the opinion, that the system tables as such are too
visible
to users and addon developers as to change the meaning of attnum.
And I don't quite see what the point is. To alter a table's column you
need
an exclusive lock, and plan invalidation (or are you intending to
invalidate only
plans that reference * ?). Once there you can just as well fix the
numbering.
Yes, it is more work :-(
Andreas