Storing HTML in MYSQL? TEXT Field or use flat-files?

[vbman213]

I'm working on an easy-to-update inventory system for a company that I work for. We post new/used equipment on our website, however, the current implementation is static text that must be edited through FTP. It makes it near impossible for the average office employee to maintain.

However, being the "IT" guy, I am working on a solution to this problem!

I have already designed the user authentication system. I haven't properly audited it yet, but I think it is very secure! (Enough on this...)

So essentially, I am going to use a Rich-Text "jQuery-based" textarea to allow users to format the items descriptions. However, I'm trying to figure the best way of storing this in the database.

I want to make sure the database's overall performance isn't severely impacted and I also want to take every precaution in protecting from SQL injections. (Even though this script will be behind several other lines of defense, user authentication...)

[Roger_Ramjet]

Personally, the days of creating my own content management system (CMS) are over. Depending on the requirements I would use eg Drupal, Wordpress, osCommerce, or similar open source ecommerce or cms system. Your efforts would then be focussed on configuring the chosen system and styling the skin (appearance) If you choose one of the popular systems you will find all the help and support, tutorials and even styles or themes that you need to do the job quickly and efficiently.

Also, if you cost your own time you would probably find that you can contract a specialist in the chosen system to do the work more cost-effectively as well.