Re: [PHP] Re: Database design

Nathan Rixham wrote:
> Angus Mann wrote:
>> Hi all. I know this is not strictly a PHP question but the code will be written in PHP, and I figure the folks here will be well versed in the questions I raise. Please feel free to contact me off the list if appropriate.
>>
>> I need some assistance with database design for a project I'm coding in PHP. I'm willing to pay for the advice, since I think it will be a bit complex. I plan to use MySQLi
>>
>> If anybody feels they can assist, or can point elsewhere please feel free to contact me off list, or reply to the list if you think appropriate.
>>
> 
> Best tip I can give is to model out all your data first (using UML or
> suchlike) then figure out the tables to hold it from that; your database
> should not dictate the model of the data; also if you design to a model
> then your codebase need never change when it becomes time to change to a
> different RDMBS or even a completely different way of persisting your
> data :)

Although, and I'm just raising awareness here since there's nothing 
inherently wrong with what Nathan has said... when you design to a model 
specifically, rather than to the target medium, your solution will be 
almost certainly be less efficient. Also, there are different skills to 
be had from the tree of learning. If you build to the model first then 
you learn to abstract. If you build to a specific medium and then later 
need to change mediums, then you learn to refactor. Given the wide 
amount of crappy code in existence... the latter IMHO, is the more 
useful skill in most scenarios... but then again, you'll probably get 
lots and lots of practice at that anyways :B

Cheers,
Rob.
-- 
http://www.interjinn.com
Application and Templating Framework for PHP