Simplest database to use
I'm new to databases. I'm wanting to create one for a website I run which includes details of Fairtrade suppliers. No e-commerce is involved. I simply want a web-based database allowing users to search by business name/ location/ product etc. and show results in a table. I'd also like an option to be able to browse the lists, perhaps simply as a table again.
I'm using RapidWeaver for Mac, but I don't suppose that matters either way as even if the database is hosted elsewhere I can link to it within the site.
What would people suggest as a cheap and simple database for this? My host allows php and mysql, but these don't mean too much to me at the moment! Can I for example link to a spreadsheet, or does it need to be separate. At the moment all the data is stored simply on webpages, which was fine to start with but is now a mess and there is far too much data - herefordshirefairtrade.org.uk
Thanks for any suggestions given!
Greg K posted this at 22:31 — 16th March 2007.
He has: 2,145 posts
Joined: Nov 2003
Well if you are new to any type of server-side language, then since you already have access to PHP and mySQL, I would recommend that. Cost wise, this is proably your cheapest bet, as mySQL is free, and usually any host that lets you use PHP also allows mySQL.
As far as linking to a spredsheet, there are ways to do this, but you will still be needing to use PHP and learn how to code it to read the spreadsheet. The only plus side I can see to using a spreadsheet is if you are used to them, and then being able to edit the data in a "ready made" editor (excel).
IMO, if you have to learn how to write PHP code to handle the spreadsheet anyhow, might as well learn how to do it right with a database to begin with. With phpMyAdmin to set up and edit the data, and the php.net pages on mysql functions, it is fairly simple. (on the second link I gave, you can most likely skip down past all the Installation and configuration section, just get to the example.
Follow the example, as you hit each MYSQL funtion used in the example, click on the link to the function in the table fo contents below the example, to see what each one is doing and how it works. Many functions also have more examples on their individual pages. IMO it really makes things easier down the road to know what the functions are doing instead of just modifying an example and guessing later what isn't working right.
-Greg
JeevesBond posted this at 04:50 — 17th March 2007.
He has: 3,956 posts
Joined: Jun 2002
MySQL is a database server, it's pretty much what you get when you buy hosting. As for being the simplest, well it's not (that would be SQLite, which is tiny and requires no setup. That aside, MySQL is what most hosts give you and it's certainly simple enough to do what you need without confusion (too much anyway).
The good thing is you can download MySQL for yourself, I believe the Apache Web server is available for Mac too, so you can get familiar with the technologies involved.
No more payments required, you already have the tools, you just need to create! I can't direct you to any specific tutorials, but I can assure you that a Google search for 'php mysql tutorial' returned lots of--seemingly useful--results.
Databases are not spreadsheets. They look quite similar (and the data is organised in much the same way) but a database has links to between tables of data and associated indexes to speed searching and sorting. Spreadsheets are easy, databases are not.
You can import a spreadsheet into a database, or vice-versa, this is probably where PHP comes-in. Could you clarify exactly what you're trying to do? Then we'll be able to offer advice.
a Padded Cell our articles site!
Cyril.Kearney posted this at 16:34 — 23rd March 2007.
He has: 5 posts
Joined: Mar 2007
The best way to go on a website that has php and mySql available would be to use the mySql database. Usually they have no charges for using this database and I would suggest programming using php.
On a Windows site I'd suggest using Access which is usually a no cost option as well.
Cyril Kearney
Faster Web Sites
webchat posted this at 13:57 — 5th April 2007.
They have: 15 posts
Joined: Apr 2007
Honestly, MySQL is a lot easier than people think.
I learned the basics needed in about 2 hours from here:
http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.0/en/
A further week of reading, re-reading and writing lots of short routines and I was very comfortable.
Commands like...
INSERT INTO TABLE dbase VALUES('fred','smith','23 anystreet, anytown, 12345');
...are so simple. The above inserts a record. if you use PHP you will just use the mysql_query() function to do this. Reading is easy too.
SELECT address FROM dbase WHERE name='fred' AND surname='smith';
The above will extract the address for that person.
I'd go ahead and bone up - you won't regret it.
Of course, you say PHP also doesn't mean much to you at the moment. So I'd advise you to look here:
http://us.php.net/manual/en/index.php
- Robin
PHP Info
MySQL Info
ChadR posted this at 18:54 — 5th April 2007.
They have: 43 posts
Joined: Mar 2007
If you do decide to go with PHP and MySQL then there is a really great admin tool for MySQL called phpmyadmin. That will allow you to do most of the function in an easy to use interface. It also prints out the actual code it used so you can learn a lot just from using that tool. I would recommend you pick up a book and start learning Proper PHP coding. Spaghetti is good for dinner not for Code
The Best User Driven Poker Site, where you can find Poker Games in your area and get the latest Poker Strategy.
Want to join the discussion? Create an account or log in if you already have one. Joining is fast, free and painless! We’ll even whisk you back here when you’ve finished.