streamlining results from mysql

[adrianuk29]

I am still relatively new to php and databases but have successfully outputted results from mysql to a php page. I have been told that I could be using a more efficient way to output my results from mysql. What are the main two differences with these calls. I have been told that the OLD WAY is not very effiecient and that the NEW WAY is far better as I can grab results quicker. I can't see how this is quicker becuase I still have to print out the variable later down in the page. Look at EXAMPLE?

OLD WAY
$test=mysql_result($result,$i,"test");

NEW WAY
$test = $row->test;

EXAMPLE
echo $test;

<input type = "text" name="field1" value="<? echo $test; ?>">

[Norman_Graham]

Hi Adrian

I think your information source is talking about code efficiency and not about code reduction. Code efficiency means writing code which is readable, portable, consistent and scalable. Using mysql_result() is readable, but that's about it. It returns data from one single cell. This can be useful in some situations, but is not really good for you, I suspect. I recommend mysql_fetch_array() as an all-purpose, flexible data call to MySQL.

The 'NEW WAY' you are talking about, isn't really new. It just indicates an object-oriented approach. You need a DB data-retrieval class and you then create an object from the class. This is a lot easier than it sounds, but it does take a little getting used to.

I suggest you play around with the various PHP-MySQL functions and then maybe think about applying some OOP principles once you're used to what PHP offers in terms of MySQL.

HTH

Norm