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MySQL or shadowed databases

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    MySQL or shadowed databases

    About 5 years ago I wrote my first database application using A5v9 for a local company. Much to my amazement the company have successfully ran their business using this database with only the odd minor hitch (my amazement is not a slight on Alpha 5, but the fact that someone who has never done more than dabbled with relational databases can create a stable application with the software). Over the years many new features have been added, to the point where it has become a bit of a monster.

    My client has recently updated their server, which necessitated upgrading to A5v11. Although this went pretty smoothly (just a few problems with scripts no longer working - soon sorted), we are thinking that it may be time for a complete rewrite to take advantage of some of the new features (and to clean up my novice coding). I was wondering if it is worthwhile switching to MySQL rather than continuing with the A5 database.
    • As there are never more than about 6 concurrent users on the system, which runs with shadowed databases on all workstations, I am guessing that there would be no perceptible speed advantages.
    • If running MySQL on the server would the workstations work directly on this, or would they still run shadowed versions?
    • Would a switch to MySQL negate the need to check indexes?
    • Would a switch to MySQL get rid of the occasional memo field corruption (long text field being stored in the same table)?


    I welcome your thoughts.
    If computers are so clever how come someone as dumb as me has to tell them what to do?

    #2
    Re: MySQL or shadowed databases

    Using MySql on the desktop there are 3 options:
    1. Active Link Tables
    2. Web Components on the desktop
    3. xdialog
    • The last 2 don't require active link tables which are a bit of a pain, although not terrible.
    • Xdialog is a pain IMHO - hand code everything.
    • Web Components offers a nice choice provided you have install control, which it sounds like you do. (there have been reports of web components not registering when using an install package).


    I am guessing that there would be no perceptible speed advantages.

    Active link negates any speed advantage. But you would have to do some simple tests with the others. DBF on the desktop is fast.

    If running MySQL on the server would the workstations work directly on this, or would they still run shadowed versions?

    Shadowing is a dbf feature. Not sure what the implications of shadowing an active link table is, maybe that would work? Don't know.

    Would a switch to MySQL negate the need to check indexes?

    Correct. No data worries - unless you deliberately trash certain files.

    Would a switch to MySQL get rid of the occasional memo field corruption (long text field being stored in the same table)?

    Ditto. No data corruption. No need to store "memo" fields in a secondary table. No data worries.

    Of course, going to MySQL means recoding all your scripts/functions - as may be needed.
    Peter
    AlphaBase Solutions, LLC

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


    Comment


      #3
      Re: MySQL or shadowed databases

      Thanks for the reply Peter. I can see that much experimentation with v11 is required before making a final decision
      If computers are so clever how come someone as dumb as me has to tell them what to do?

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