All,

This is a bit leftfield but worth asking. I've been through the docs but here goes:

Is there a way to map tables and their columns onto a (say) TABLE table that has a row for each table type, and the columns of an entity onto a (say) COLUMN table that contains the definition of the columns.

The actual 'rows' of the table would be stored in a (say) third table that is keyed by table and column and contains a value.

Essentially the data model is reduced to name/value pairs defined by three (or more) tables.

The idea is to be able to extend the data model without actually touching the SQL data model. Ideally, the SQL/HQL up front would perceive the table to be normalised and the structure behind would be transparent.

??? ... or should I just have another drink ...

Greg.