uploading resumes onto online database

subu posted this at 16:07 — 24th August 2005.

Joined: Aug 2005

Hello everyone
I am creating an online database for a student organization that i work for and was hoping to get some tips on a good /easy way to upload and edit resumes onto the database. The student should be able to log on to the server and access/ edit his/her file. The server is running MySql 4.0.16 and am using phpMyAdmin as the interface. I was thinking of a few options but was not sure how to implement it.
1. To upload the resume as a 'longblob' in which case it stores it as binary. If i choose this option, what needs to done to convert the file back to text without losing format and any data when accessed?

2. To save the text file in a directory on the server and make the database point to the file. What needs to be done/ what datatype needs to be used for this option?

If anybody has any other suggestions I would be glad to try them out.
Thanks

bja888 (not verified) posted this at 16:18 — 24th August 2005.

They have: 5,633 posts

Joined: Jan 1970

Database is to large file as filing cabinet is to elephant.
It works... but doesn’t server its purpose. Suggestion... pay someone who knows what their doing. It saves so much time and the world goes round.

JeevesBond posted this at 21:43 — 24th August 2005.

He has: 3,956 posts

Joined: Jun 2002

Quote: If i choose this option, what needs to done to convert the file back to text without losing format and any data when accessed?

Something like PHP would do it, upload the file, open the file, squirt file contents into DB and close.
When you want to open the file again, open DB record, squirt data into file, close, point client browser at file.

Storing this as a BLOB or LONGBLOB wouldn't affect the formatting of the file, that's the intention of the datatype I guess.

That's how I think it's done as I've never had to do exactly what you're asking before.

Quote:
2. To save the text file in a directory on the server and make the database point to the file. What needs to be done/ what datatype needs to be used for this option?

Now for the second idea of yours - which will be faster and more efficient btw.

Upload file, store in a directory. Use a CHAR or VARCHAR data type to store the path and filename of the document on the server, again you'd use PHP for this php.net has some very good documentation online that you can use for the purpose.

And here's a good place to start:
http://uk2.php.net/manual/en/features.file-upload.php

Have fun and come back if you need any further help!