[KLUG Members] database programming question

[Bruce Smith]

Just when everyone thought this thread had died ...  it's back!  :-)

> > and I don't like where we're headed.  There is a big
> > advantage of doing thing correctly.
> 
> Hard to do if you assume that whatever you're doing now must be better.

I'm not assuming anything.  I'm willing to use MySQL, if we do it
correctly, and there are reasons for it.

To do it "correctly", I don't want to run two databases.  That's a
cobble job which leads to nothing but problems, like duplication of data
and a programming nightmare (which DB is this data in ...).  So if we do
it, let's convert everything to MySQL and get rid of PG.

I wouldn't mind converting everything to MySQL, _IF_ you could give me a
good reason to do it.  So far your reasons have been very weak.

As far as I can tell from you, the only difference in PHP is the command
name,  i.e.  pg_select  vs.  mysql_select.  I ask again, what's the
advantage of MySQL over PG when programming in PHP?  Give me specifics,
and quit with the "try it" logic.

If the only difference between the two DB's is the PHP command name,
then PG has the edge because it's three characters less typing for each
command!  :-)

> Well, I've been waiting for several years for someone besides myself to
> do some website presentations.  Turns out I'm the only one.  I've wanted
> to put the presentations on the KLUG server to demonstrate...  In any
> case, we have -nobody- doing postgres presentations.  At least, if some
> people picked up some ideas from the MySQL presentations they might
> offer something.

I've given PG / PHP presentations, but it's been quite awhile.

> > How about if we spell it "odbc_query"?  (or whatever the ODBC call is)
> > Then you won't have to know which DB you're using.  :-)
> 
> Actually I already wrote a form script for KLUG and sent it to Adam,
> complete with notes about what functions were needed to handle cross-db
> compatibility.  That was two weeks ago.  The script languishes forlornly
> in a corner, waiting for someone to write these simple functions.  Why? 
> I'd argue because it's not easy.

And your argument has no foundation.  I KNOW that Adam can do it, I've
seen PG/PHP code he's written.  Reread my previous email about the lack
of time people have to donate to a volunteer organization.

> > Maybe a little more convincing is needed?  :-)
> 
> I fear the thread has passed from enlightening to boring.  

You've got that right.  :-)

> I cannot prove in advance it will offer you world domination.  
> But if we don't try it, I know we won't see what it can do.

I talked to other KLUG officers after the meeting last night, and they
believe the web site needs to be stable.  It is currently stable, and
they are hesitant to change because that would very likely cause some
instability during the conversion.  (if it ain't broke, don't fix it) 
So, unless there isn't a good reason to switch to MySQL ... 

FYI, your reasons don't have to be technical in nature.  Bribery works
too.  :-)   i.e.  You could offer to become our new webmaster, redesign
our entire web site, make all kinds of improvements, do the conversion,
...  if we switch to MySQL.   (as an example :)

 - BS