column type question

[lgomez]

What column type should I use if I don't know what type will be stored?

I have a table of objects that may be simple text, an image or who knows what... the idea is to keep them together and avoid having tables for each type of object. Also, I'd rather keep all in one column and not have one column for blob and other for char or text.

What are the consecuences of storing data in a column that is of a conflicting or different type?

Thank you

[r937]

the only thing that fits your requirement is a BLOB because it is the only datatype that can hold a binary object

[lgomez]

But then if I have a text object won't it be affected by being stored in a non-text type field?

[r937]

you can store anything in a blob

the more important question is, however, why you would want to?

i mean, if the table has only a blob column, wouldn't you be better off just storing your objects on the file system? you'll get faster response, i'm sure

[lgomez]

I suppose you are right...

The thing is, even though most of the objects I'll be storing are going to be text, there will also be things like images. I wanted to provide a web interface to edit all text objects. I suppose blob type objects could be referenced from the column...

hmmm.... I need to analyze the apps structure again... I'll get back to you. Thank you,