should I use a database?

non_zero

I'm developing a community website that has members, preferences for all those members, messaging, etc. We're now using special files (sort of like .ini files) to store all this data, and I was just wondering...

Should I use a database for all of this? Files seem unstable...and I don't have time to learn MySQL. I have a 2 months deadline, and files is the only thing I know how to do. Can files work just as well?

Anon

You can learn MySQL in one week! ´Just fight for it.

But if you have much design to do, then you should find help, and get another person to make it for you...

Good lock, Ulrik Q K, Denmark

neuromancer

SQL is not hard at all, once you know the 4 key words (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) the rest is cake. I would suggest setting up some basic tables that meet your needs and using SQL then take time to learn it better after your project.

You will end up using it on your next project if you do, and wonder why you didn't learn it sooner.

Anon

You'll definitly want to use a database. It will scale better than your file system and should be much easier to use and faster.

Plus with databases, you'll be able to do advanced things with the raw data like create reports and searches, and statistics, and so much more.

I learned both PHP and MySQL in one evening, and over the next month or two created a 6,000 line eCommerce site.

Don't be intimidated by database systems like I was, after you use it you'll be glad you did. Just get a good book. I'd recommend MySQL by Paul DuBois if you want to use MySQL.

Good Luck