Obviously I am new to PHP and MySQL. Currently I have a php banner rotation script which uses MySQL to store the data. My question is: I want to start implimenting more scripts, which will use a Database.
I could of course make new tables for the new applications, but would this slow proformance or speed? Being that the database is growing. Or should I have a new databse for each application?
Hope this is'nt to dumb a question. We all have to learn somewhere huh?
The decision of whether to use a single database or multiple databases for your site is really a matter of personal preference. I'm pretty sure it will have little or no effect on the performance of your site.
The only factor I could see affecting this decision (besides your own personal preference, of course) is that global backups are easier to do with a single database. You can back up an entire database with a single execution of mysqldump, whereas with multiple databases you'd need to run it repeatedly -- once for each database.
In case you're curious, SitePoint.com keeps all its content data (including articles, tip feed tips, etc.) in a single database. Separate databases are only used for programs/applications that were not custom-built and thus install their own databases.
Thank you Kevin, that answers my question perfectly.
Once other question then, I use phpMyAdmin to work with my database. Is it possible to add say a blank feild to seperate the different tables? This would be more for apperance, so everything is'nt right on top of each other.
I want to have say one table for my banner rotation, another for links on my site. Plus I have four domains, so keeping them seperate to the eye would help.
Bad idea. A better idea would be to use a naming convention for your tables. For example, all tables that are related to ads could begin with ADS_. That way you'd end up with a list like this:
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