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> It's because the value does not represent a binary true or false but rather a means by which the item is deleted or dead.

"Deleted" and "dead" are separate columns.

> So not only would it not make sense semantically, it would break if a third means were introduced.

If that was the intention, it would seem like a bad design decision to me. And actually what you assume to be the reasoning, is exactly what should be avoided. Which makes it a bad thing.

This is a limitation not because of having the bool value be represented by an int (or rather "be presented as"), but because of the t y p e , being an integer.



> "Deleted" and "dead" are separate columns.

Yes, we know!

> If that was the intention, it would seem like a bad design decision to me. And actually what you assume to be the reasoning, is exactly what should be avoided. Which makes it a bad thing.

That is should be avoided is what makes it a bad thing? I am probably on board with the idea that it is bad design, I just don't know what reasoning you are referring to here. How would you design it?

> This is a limitation not because of having the bool value be represented by an int (or rather "be presented as"), but because of the t y p e , being an integer.

What bool value? As designed, it is an int. I'm sure that I am just missing what you are saying.




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