Less pull on server resources?

Anon

Which one of these has less pull on server resources?...

Putting actual content to be delivered into the MySQL DB. Example: "Building 8" in the "Location" field. PHP prints this as such.

Putting a letter in the DB, and then converting that letter into usable content with PHP. Example: "H" in the "Location" field, and then "if... location == H then..." in the PHP.

So basically... is it better to just deliver usable content out of the DB, or pull smaller content out and then convert it? We're talking best for server resources here.

lawnmowerman

I have no proof to back this up, but I'd say that the first option would be the least resource heavy.

In the first example, the database returns the value of the field and you simply print it out.

In the second example, the database returns the value of the field, you then do comparisons and assignments on the returned value, and then print out the result.

The length of the data returned by the database is rather insignificant in these examples. A 10 character string will return in essentially the same time as a 1 character string.

Databases are designed for storing and retreiving information. Storing a much smaller amount of data will make the actual database file(s) smaller, but the added overhead of the comparison/assignment will decrease performance more.

Just my $0.02... Like I said, I have no proof to back this up, but this is how I imagine it would work out.

-Rich

toma42

Using integers as values is the best way. Characters are slower.

Make sure you realize that your code may be hard to maintain either way as adding new codes will be a pain in the butt.

Anon

Using integers as values is the best way. Characters are slower.

Interesting, I didn't know that. But, I'm still looking for a definite answer as to if having codes in the DB and converting them over to usable info in the PHP code is easier on the server than just pulling usable content off the DB in the first place.

kparker

The real answer is probably, "It depends." You may have to build a demo of both methods and measure the actual results.