I do not consider myself a professional database administrator. I know how to administer a database. I know about the three forms of normalization. I know, generally, how to make a robust database, and all I took was a 101 database management course in college.

Why then, in the year of our lord 2025, do I still see people tying user profiles to email addresses??? “Sorry, we can’t change the email on your account without creating a whole new account?” I’m sorry?! Did children design your database? Surely children would’ve done a better job of it.

How hard is it to just?

CREATE TABLE USER (
    ID BIGINT PRIMARY KEY,
    Email VARCHAR(255) UNIQUE,
    ...
);