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Newbie seeks advice on best database back end to use

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    Newbie seeks advice on best database back end to use

    I'm recently started with Alpha Five. I have purchased v 11, which looks great to me. My background is not in programming so I'm hopeful I can make some progress without those skills. My dilemna is which type of backend do I use to contain my data.

    The application I want to build is for a company that hires and sells medical equipment. It needs to be web based, with a catalog containing many images and an online ordering system. It will be accessed by customers and people searching on specific keywords as well as our own staff accessing and updating records.

    I am familiar with dbf and access files and would be comfortable working with either as the backend data source. However, I see from the forums there is much discussion about speed and performance of these and I get a general impression that SQL (of which I am largely ignorant) is the preferred backend.

    This concerns me. I have enough to learn as it is with Alpha and programming protocols and procedures without having to learn SQL as well. It would be very helpful to hear opinions on this before I get started as I don't want to 'change horses' midstream. My first prefernce would be to use the native dbf in Alpha - what do you all think?

    Any and all replies will be much appreciated.

    #2
    Re: Newbie seeks advice on best database back end to use

    Ron,

    Use Mysql or mssql for the web. Nothing else I can say.

    I like the dbf for desktop, but you are talking web. You can do it now or do it later, but you will find it better than access or dbf for the long haul.
    Dave Mason
    [email protected]
    Skype is dave.mason46

    Comment


      #3
      Re: Newbie seeks advice on best database back end to use

      +1 what Dave says :)

      "Learning MySQL? ... that's nothing!"

      MySQL is not that difficult, and depending upon the complexity of your app, you may need to learn nothing more than how to create the database and tables. Better to jump in now than to "wag the dog" later ! ;-)

      <<< one of my all-time fave movies!>>>
      Cheers!
      Lyle Chamney
      http://www.2ninerniner2.com/
      Websites rebuilt with WordPress
      http://goodcheapfastwebsites.com/
      Complete, ready to install WordPress websites
      http://snifflevalve.com
      WordPress training and tutorials

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        #4
        Re: Newbie seeks advice on best database back end to use

        Hi Ron,

        When I started web development with A5 nine months ago, I was in the same kind of situation (starting level in Javascript and modern databases) and I had the same question.
        All I read tended to steer me towards mySQL for the database. I downloaded the workbench of mySQL and used the data modelling functions. I works great, there is a lot of advices on the web and the functionalities are very powerful. If you combine A5 (connectors) and mySQL workbench, it is possible to design and use the database without writing a single line of SQL code. Moreover, if ever needed, there is a 'SQL builder' in A5 that allows you to build queries based on the options you select, this tool being itself included in the Xbasic script genie (to generate A5 code templates).

        However, my experience was also that you have to start by giving time to understand deeply the logic behind database design (particularly foreign key constraints, inner / outer joins). This is because grids are built on the database, if you make a mistake or overlook something in the database design, you'll have most probably to review also your grids later.

        Jo�l

        Comment


          #5
          Re: Newbie seeks advice on best database back end to use

          G'day Ron!

          Agree with the previous comments, really need to use a client/server backend which dbf is not. mySql or SQL Server are your best options. The learning curve can be steep but will be much shorter in the long term if you end up trying to migrate dbf to sql in the future.
          Glen Schild



          My Blog

          Comment


            #6
            Re: Newbie seeks advice on best database back end to use

            A big 'Thank You' to all who replied. I appreciate the advice.
            It would appear that SQL is the way to go and that's what I'll do. I note in the Total Training videos I'm currently watching that Steve Workings is using Access tables (AlphaSports) with a view to exporting the sql content at a later date (?). It may be a bit premature as I'm only up to #05 but it seems this could be my solution? I know I'll get to the end of the TT series and probably find the answer therein, but I'm impatient to know .... Can anyone confirm that this will work - that is, build my tables in Access for later export of the SQL to MySQL? Comments (as usual) much appreciated.

            Comment


              #7
              Re: Newbie seeks advice on best database back end to use

              I saw you had some access background.

              I will say this knowing it may get a bit of guff.

              Build in sql and stay in sql. FORGET you ever heard the word access in programming.

              Access tables have their own problems. Aside from that, it is no different to construct sql tables. In the future, when you are super busy and it comes to the time to change it all over to sql, you will thank me!
              Dave Mason
              [email protected]
              Skype is dave.mason46

              Comment


                #8
                Re: Newbie seeks advice on best database back end to use

                Ron - the reason I used the Access tables is because they ship with Alpha Five, which meant everyone has them available with no extra trouble.

                Yes, you can build in Access then move. I have a customer right now who has done that, and we've moved to MS SQL 2012. If you can, jump into MS SQL or MySQL asap - you will be better off to be working directly in your "end" database than working with Access for a while then switching.

                Because A5 is mostly agnostic when it comes to back end databases, it's mostly learning A5, with some SQL tossed in.
                -Steve
                sigpic

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                  #9
                  Re: Newbie seeks advice on best database back end to use

                  Originally posted by Steve Workings View Post
                  Ron - the reason I used the Access tables is because they ship with Alpha Five, which meant everyone has them available with no extra trouble.

                  Yes, you can build in Access then move. I have a customer right now who has done that, and we've moved to MS SQL 2012. If you can, jump into MS SQL or MySQL asap - you will be better off to be working directly in your "end" database than working with Access for a while then switching.

                  Because A5 is mostly agnostic when it comes to back end databases, it's mostly learning A5, with some SQL tossed in.
                  OK ... I give in, I'll go peacefully!! MySQL it is ...... I thank you all again for the advice. Knowing these things at the beginning of a project can save a lot og agro and frustration apart from time spent.

                  Ron S

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Re: Newbie seeks advice on best database back end to use

                    When I came to Alpha, I was originally going to go with ProstgreSQL. I even installed it on my computer. But then I found out how common MySQL was, and the fact that most hosts already have it installed. Plus finding instructions on MySQL is so much easier.

                    Anyway here is a basic instruction that I found, for anyone interested. It does use PHP though, and I have never used PHP, using Navicat for everything. He also uses one that is hosted, building it online, and I work with mine locally.

                    MySQL training on YouTube

                    I have done most of these, but used the query builder instead, staying in the query editor tab. So far I haven't run into any issues using this instead of PHP.

                    I have heard Toad is a good program, and free, unlike Navicat. But here is a link for that:

                    Toad for MySQL

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