[KLUG Members] database programming question

[Bruce Smith]

> > To do it "correctly", I don't want to run two databases.  
> 
> That's the problem there, it's an unnecessary fear.  Do you remove gedit
> if you use vi?  Why then must you remove postgres to run some MySQL
> sometimes?

DUPLICATION OF DATA == BAD.  Need I explain?

You're talking about writing attendance forms that go into MySQL.
We already have membership data in PG, in two different places.
1)  The Supporting member database on the web server.
2)  The OpenGroupware server at the Chamber.
(we are talking on the officer's list on how to combine these)

Now, we're going to input into MySQL.  And then what?  Print it out and
input into OpenGroupware and/or the supporting member database?

Oh no, we don't need to print it, we just need to write another program
to take the MySQL tables and insert/update them into PG.  Now that's
efficient (not), and trying to keep everything in sync - COBBLE JOB!

That's why I only want one DB.  I don't know how to explain any clearer.

> > 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.
> 
> Perjorative.  Quick now, why do you love your wife?  Why do you prefer
> democracy?  Why do you like sunshine?  

Yeah yeah yeah, you like MySQL better than PG.  We got that already.

> The problem in answering
> questions like these is there are so -many- reasons its hard to start or
> be systematic.  

Seems odd that you can't tell me any _specific_ reasons, if there are so
many.  You don't need to tell me ALL the reasons, just a few _specifics_

> MySQL is overwhelmingly more popular.  There is a reason
> why.  I'd argue it is because the overwhelming number of applications
> fit its strength.  Like your Ford Escort illustration.

Might be a good reason if we needed an overwhelming number of new
applications.

> > 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.
> 
> "Try it" logic is legit, you just don't like it.  It's the preeminent
> way to let you be the judge.  In the final analysis a human (not a
> statistic) is the measure of good programming.

OK, since you can't give me any specific advantages of MySQL over PG in
the PHP language, I'll assume the only difference is the name of the PHP
command.  I'll quit asking now.  Never mind ...

> > 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.
> 
> You know Adam could do it, you don't KNOW why he did not.  

And neither do you, but you _ass-u-me-d_ that it's because it's hard.
I'm suggesting there are other possibilities.

> > 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 ... 
> 
> Unstable?  To implement MySQL?  C'mon.  

To rewrite all the existing PG programs to use MySQL has a risk of bugs.
That could bring some temporary instability, as any program changes.

> > 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 :)
> 
> I already tried bribery, 

You did?  Please explain.

> and you've turned it down. 

I did?  Please explain.  

I haven't said "no" to MySQL yet, we're simply talking now.

> Now you're trying blackmail.

http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=blackmail&x=0&y=0
"extortion or coercion by threats"

Where did I threaten you?

> You're rejecting the most popular open database on the web today without
> trying it.  

No, I haven't rejected anything yet.  I'm still fact gathering.  

I like to see benefits come from my work, so I'm asking about what
benefits MySQL will gain us, and you keep avoiding my questions with
vague answers.  (which makes me suspicious of any gains)

> Hey, it's your website, you can do what you want.  But an
> implementation of MySQL could open the door to many things the open
> community on the web is utilizing.   Think of all the MySQL code
> repositories you can't use.

And which ones _specifically_ would benefit KLUG?
(I'm seriously asking, not being a smart-a$$).

 - BS