Databases, in the recent times, have become an integral part of many Web Sites. That, however, doesn't mean your site too will have to have one - just because others do! The explanation below, will hopefully help you to decide!
Databases - Why have them::
At the least, databases can make your Web site more user friendly & inter-active. Your customers and/or visitors will have the ability find the information they need, dynamically - a facility that every one would appreciate.
What kind of information can you have in a database? Frankly, any information could be stored in a database, from where, Visitor Specific information can be pulled out using a suitable front-end script/program. Your database/s can contain straight forward information like:
- addresses and phone numbers
- product inventories
- lists of information
- Or anything else that you can think of.
.... to more complex multi-level databases that are used in high traffic, high density sites.
True, all such information can be displayed on a static Web site, provided, you have a small amount of information. But what if you have a large amount of information or you want to create a template driven site - i.e. real time Dynamic pages? Then a database would make your task much easier. In fact, that would be the only way forward in some cases.
Suitability - Selecting a Database::
Essentially, there are two most common types of databases that are being used on the Web.
Flat File:
Flatfile databases are exactly what the name implies. Basically, these are TEXT files with each set of records stored in independent rows. Popular belief is that, these Flatfile databases are rather slow. This isn't quite true. How fast they work largely depend on:
How much information does it have to handle.
How fast is your server/connection/machine etc.
Fact is, Flatfile databases work without trouble even with 35,000+ records! So unless the Search Terms are terribly complex & you are looking to store a huge amount of data, a Flatfile will do fine. Slow - Yes - but only when the script has to go through rows & rows of data just find the right one!
Relational (SQL):
If you are looking to create something like Yahoo or Amazon or CNet - then of course Flatfile won't do. Enter - Relational Databases which can store data in separate tables rather than putting all of it in one big table. This adds flexibility & of course, speed. The tables are linked by defined relations making it possible to combine data from several tables on request. Sites that have to handle tremendous number of hits, must use such big "Relational database management systems (RDBMS)" such as Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server etc. Unfortunately, these are extremely expensive options!
This is where MySQL has all the advantages!
It is a relational database management system.
Uses "Structured Query Language" - the most common standardized language used to access databases.
It is very fast, reliable, and easy to use (Easy as compared to other RDBMSes).
And best of all - it is Open Source Software or atleast (mostly) free.
Incidentally, a little note on the official MySQL site says:
"The official way to pronounce MySQL is 'My Ess Que Ell' (not MY-SEQUEL). But we try to avoid correcting people who say MY-SEQUEL."
Services we offer::
We can design and develop the database inclusive of query scripts for you - either a Flatfile with Perl-CGI script OR a MySQL with Perl or PHP script (provided MySQL & PHP are installed on your server & if you really need them).
We help & guide you to decide what's most suitable to your requirements, although our advise do go against our own business interests in most cases!! Point to remember is that creating MySQL databases take more time - hence costs more! However, we are honest to our customers & therefore, seldom recommend developing MySQL databases unless absolutely necessary, in spite of the fact that we could earn more that way. Fact is, in most cases, a Flatfile will do (unless you need a very complex system OR looking for a completely database driven site).
Also, we use third party software to generate the basic Perl-CGI Script. Then modify to suit. On the other hand, PHP scripts are custom coded - therefore, that's another reason why these cost more!
Working Examples of Flatfile-Perl CGI combination databases that we designed can be found at Marbella Eiendom. (Please use the "Property Search" Link). This is a 22 field Data storage with with 5 field search query. A much more complex database is at The Approval Specialists. (However, that's for their Customers only). A Database driven Current News function can be seen at The MERI Website.
Charges for creating Databases vary widely. Please Contact Us for MySQL - Perl/PHP databases. Costs for creating Flatfile Database with Perl CGI, inclusive of associated Page Designing work, as in the example sites above, are given below. Please note, we do not sell the Perl Code alone. In other words, the order should include script customization & page designing work also. (For "Rupee Payment Option" - Click here)
2 to 10 field Database with Perl-CGI Search function including associated HTML page creation to match the existing site design - with FREE setup.
US$ 125.00 ~ 150.00
11 to 25 field Database with Perl-CGI Search function including associated HTML page creation to match the existing site design - with FREE setup.
