I've had an idea for a website project for a long time - basically a completely "from scratch" bbs. I have limited experience in building websites so I'm asking for you expertize. What is the best system for building a user database for around 5000+ users? Also, how should I start learning to make such databases - the idea is I'd really like my own coded system.
If you are really willing to help, point me in the right direction to start learning the technique :).
ps. I was hoping the answer wont be mysql because it seems so complex but I guess all large systems are ;)
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Anonymous2005-09-27 19:24
If you're going for 5000+ users, be prepared for complex. Learn MYSQL.
>>2
more hosts (particularly free hosts, though that's not part of this discussion) offer MySQL than Postgre; so even if you're using the DB on your own system, if you're only going to learn one skillset it's better to learn the one that is more common. And at the moment that's MySQL.
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Anonymous2005-09-27 23:10
>>4
MYSQL came to mind first, but Postgre would work too. Regardless, he shouldn't try to build his own database platform, for that would be stupid.
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Anonymous2005-09-28 3:58
>>1
MySQL isn't complex, it's got a really handy console where you can issue commands and SQL statements to fuck up your db. It's a lot of fun, I love it.
Oh it'll help if you get a proper book on databases (not something like "Sequel for Dummies!!!!11") so you can understand relational algebra and normalization to avoid being dangerously inefficient.
>>4
There's a /. article comparing the two if you look. I haven't read it tbh, I have no idea what the charms of Postgres are. I'll have to do my own comparison once I have enough experience to know what I'm looking for.
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Anonymous2005-09-28 8:21
>>1
Web sights, as opposed to business management applications, have little relationships, and you don't really need many database features outside full text search and binary search. MySQL is great for you, using MyISAM (InnoDB if you need referential integrity) and FULLTEXT indexes on stuff you want to search.
>>3
Yes, there are many good ones... PHPBB2, Invision and vBulletin for example. I think >>1 should write awesome mods for them instead, this'll bring new features for everyone.
>>4
Postgre has nice features, and I'd consider using it for other kinds of applications, but MySQL is faster and good enough for this, besides wide support.
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Anonymous2005-09-28 10:45
The performance arguments don't apply to MySQL and PostgreSQL any more. And even if they did, if you're pushing them that hard, you're doing something wrong.
However, MySQL is far more common on webhosts. That's the clincher.
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Anonymous2005-09-29 9:26
Why does he need a database?
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Anonymous2005-09-29 9:27
Why does he need an SQL database? He could just use the filesystem.
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Anonymous2005-09-29 10:17
He wants to write a BBS. Sure you can use files, but a db makes it so much easier.
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Anonymous2005-09-29 13:48
>>9
O rly? Might as well try Postgre for my next project then, thanks for the info Anonymous.
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Anonymous2005-09-29 15:50
Fair enough on the popularity argument.
It's just that having used MySQL before, I've been bitten by it accepting null data even though the field was specified as non-null and a weird behaviour on auto-incrementing fields.
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92005-09-29 21:19
Oh yeah, there's no doubt that MySQL has its ugliness. It's too bad other DBMS aren't more common on webhosts.
The interesting part is that even if MySQL somehow miraculously repaired all the bugs and made the most wonderful OSS DMBS ever, it'd still be years before all the webhosts used it. Just remember that whenever someone points to MySQL 5.0.
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req!8UOe0ApPss2005-09-29 21:23
Thanks for all your advice :)
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Anonymous2009-11-02 8:03
RISE MASTURBATING FROM YOUR GRAVE!
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Anonymous2009-11-02 11:46
If you want to write a bbs from scratch, you must first create the universe.
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Anonymous2009-11-02 12:12
>>18
You bastard! Now I have to go watch that video, I hope your happy