Effective interaction with a my-sql database

[doubli]

I'm in the process of planning a new site structure. I want to make sure that I am interacting with my-sql db in the most effective way. At present, I have an include file at the top of every page that requires access to database data

eg

include ("global/include_logon_user.php");

This file contains something along the lines of

$connect = @mysql_connect("localhost","user","pas");
@mysql_select_db("database") or die ("Could not connect to database")

I've also set about adding mysql_close($connect) recently to the end of my pages, in an effort to make sure database connections are closed down. I know it does close down automatically but I Wanted to be sure

So, am I going about things in the correct way? Is there anything negative in the way I'm hitting the database and opening a connection with every page request? Can I do things smarter?

[PHP John]

If you are going to be in constant contact with your database, look into persistant connections.

mysql_pconnect() is a good place to start.

[doubli]

If you are going to be in constant contact with your database, look into persistant connections.

mysql_pconnect() is a good place to start. [img]images/smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Thanks John, I've done some reading on mysql_pconnect and there does seem to be some negative comments in using it on the php.net site.

What do others use here?