[Resolved] Flat file Forum Hints

Megahertza

My new project is to set up a Forum for my website that runs of basic flat file systems. I know how to put data into a file and how to retrieve it. My main problem is how the forum will be set up,

I was thinking there should be a directory for each forum folder("General Help","Newbies","Stuff") and then inside each folder there is a txt file for each thread.

You guys got any hints or warnings on how to do this.... This is a biggy project for me. Oh no 1 say "get mysql"

thanks guys

devinemke

Originally posted by Megahertza
You guys got any hints or warnings on how to do this.... This is a biggy project for me. Oh no 1 say "get mysql"

you are asking for hints and warnings. i know you don't want to hear this...again...but my hint is use a database and my warning is don't use flat files. what you are essentially trying to do is have files/folders emulate the functionality of a database. why re-invent the wheel? rather make something try to minic a database, just use a database. by using a database your app is going to be:
1. faster
2. easier to write
3. easier to maintain
4. easier to archive
5. did i mention faster

check out mySQL. it's free and intergrates perfectly with PHP. i see these type of posts come up frequently on these boards. don't be afraid of using a database. they don't byte (sorry).

Megahertza

I have to re-invent the wheel because I can't afford the wheel right now. My testing machine has got mysql on it but my host is really my friends host and they want money for another database.

But still, I want to prove that I can do it. At the moment I'm just learning php and i want a good grasp of it befor I go into mysql.