Adding new unique columns

#1

What is the best practice for when you need to add a new unique column to an existing database?

Simply adding the column with the @Unique annotation will result in "Attempt to reuse an existing value (null)", so the only option I can surmise is to add the column, update all existing entries, THEN add the @Unique constraint.  I'm hoping there's a better way, like providing a means to generate values when the existing record is null.

#2

> so the only option I can surmise is to add the column, update all existing entries, THEN add the @Unique constraint.

This is indeed the only option, otherwise you will break the unique constraint with multiple objects with the same null value for the field.

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