Database or file for site constants

[SeenGee]

Hi,

I have a site that makes use of approx 200 config variables, stored in mysql. I have a function that i use that retrieves the required config val when needed. On certain pages there can be up to approx 20 calls to this function and hence 20 db calls. I was wondering whether i would be better to switch to using a standard php include file with all these variables - either using DEFINE or just creating an array of the vars - or just to leave it as it is. I'm not great on performance aspects of php/mysql so would really appreciate a bit on insight on this as this site will be very busy.

Thanks.

[NogDog]

Perhaps a happy median would be to have an include file that retrieves all of the config variables from the DB and stores them in an object or array? I'd go with an object, as you can then have better control over the values, essentially making them read-only if desired. In fact, this would be a good case for a singleton pattern class.

[SeenGee]

i suppose the include file with a single database call would probably make the most sense, it would keep the variables dynamic (to a single page load at least). I'm not sure of the need to use an object over an array though, oop is something i'm only really starting to play with. As to the singleton pattern i cant see the difference between doing this and just using an include_once on the include file.

thanks.

[NogDog]

Once you learn more OOP, you'll see the advantages. 🙂 But if you aren't currently coding mostly in objects, then there won't be as much to gain...yet.

[SeenGee]

ok, thanks a lot for your help.