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Normalized vs Flat Tables

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    Normalized vs Flat Tables

    Hi All

    I was wondering if somebody can assist me in terms of strategy with the following situation.
    1. A local MySQL database of existing members / clients with the usual fields: Title, name, surname, email etcetera.
    2. A remote MySQL database with three tables:
    a. Want news letter [fields: Name, surname, email]
    b. Survey details [Fields: Name, Surname, email….other]
    c. Unsubscribe [Fields: email, Comments]
    3. A set on the desktop that links the tables using the email address.
    4. The desktop tables get populated with SQL select statements on the local MySQL Database.
    5. The local MySQL database get’s updated hourly from the remote MySQL database.
    6. The common fields in all the tables have the same field lengths, names and field types.

    I want to cater for the scenario where new records come in from the remote (Want newsletter, survey) tables for which there is no existing member in the local members table.

    I am considering de-normalizing it and use only one flat table (members) on the desktop.
    Kindly let me know if I am totally of the track
    Any pointers on the above will be appreciated.


    Peter Gagiano

    #2
    Re: Normalized vs Flat Tables

    For any one member will you need to track multiple "subscriptions"? multiple "unsubscriptions"? multiple "survey details"?

    Comment


      #3
      Re: Normalized vs Flat Tables

      Originally posted by gagsoft View Post
      3. A set on the desktop that links the tables using the email address.
      What happens when a user changes their email address?
      Peter
      AlphaBase Solutions, LLC

      [email protected]
      https://www.alphabasesolutions.com


      Comment


        #4
        Re: Normalized vs Flat Tables

        Hi Tom, Peter
        Thanks for the help. I realized that this calls for separate tables because of the multiple groupings. Peter do you really have to throw a spanner in the works now that I thought that I got it all worked out :D(lol). Email responses with a different email for an existing member will be handled as a new member. If there is no activity on the old email for a member over a period of time, it will be deactivated.
        Thanks you guys.
        If my wife catches me now behind the computer I will need an affordable marriage counsellor In the new year.
        For those of you who celebrate Christmas, have a enjoyable festive season and my 2010 bring just good fortune.

        Peter Gagiano

        Comment

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