Mysql-connect, multiple use, close

[melrse]

Good Morning.

I have read the book but would appreciate a pointed discussion of the following. Am looking for the best programming practice.

I am issuing a request to a table multiple times in the same script. It is an entry form.

I establish a connection to the mysql db.
When add is requested, I am issuing a request on table to check for an existing record b4 I accept the add. I am doing a SELECT and returning back $numrows to see if a record is out there.

Farther down in the script after I validate additional entries I issue an insert.

There will be many users accessing this script.

Do I need to do a close on file after initial SELECT. I am not sure how the file id's work in general. Do I just do one connect at the beginning of script and than just utilize it as many times as I need to or do I do multiple connects each time I use it.

Thanks and sorry so wordy,
Melissa

[Anon]

Always try to limit the number of connections that you are making, they add more overhead than queries. You should open a connection at the beginning of any page that needs database access and then close that connection at the end of the page. Sometimes persistant connections will gain you some benefit, but I've found they are usually more trouble than they are worth.

[melrse]

thanks for the info