Database preferences and opinions.
DatabasesSo, this is probably one of those loaded questions like asking if a group of Nascar Fans likes Ford or Chevy better, but here it comes anyway. Well, after a bit of explanation as to why I'm asking such a question anyway.
Being a newbie to CF development and databases I tend to lean towards simplicity. My background as a IT Manager hasn't gotten me very much experience with the big server based DB's like MSSQL and MySql. In the past, if we've needed "hardcore" db work done by boss tells me to hire a "SQL Guy". So I haven't learned to much about the inner workings of the different server based DB's.
When I started learning ColdFusion I found working with MS Access db's very simple. Easy to setup, easy to edit and easy to muddle thru setting up my first one to many relationships. As far as I can tell Access will do what ever I want or need it to. Hopefully some day I'll have to worry about the limitations of Access, but up until now I was just looking for simplicity. Learning ColdFusion is enough to keep me busy, but I would really like to move over to Ubuntu Full time. (I'll explain why in another yet to come blog entry) But moving to Ubuntu, or any distro of linux makes me look at another db as an option, and of course that leads me to MySql.
I've found a couple of good tutorials and the the documentation on MySql's site is pretty good. It seams easy enough to learn. But I'm curious as to a couple of things:
In your all's opinion....
1. What are the advantages or disadvantages to using MySql for your ColdFusion datasourse?
2. What are the advantages or disadvantages of using MySql over MS Access, MSSql, or any other popular db? Windows or not.
3. It seems like most hosting companies support MySql. Do you find that that support is generally pretty good?
4. For a newbie like me, is this just going to "muddy" the overall learning waters for my new found love of web app. development?
5. Should I just stick with Windows and the initial easy of use and quick configuration to get my budding ColdFusion career going?
Ohh, such deep thoughts and questions...LOL.
Can't wait to read you all's advice.
Later,
Mark
http://www.aquafold.com/downloads.html
Its pretty bada$$ itself.
(version 4.7 is the last free version it seems http://www.aquafold.com/downloads-advanced.html)
1) Honestly I can't name any disadvantages with using MySQL other than the fact that CF7 shipped prior to MySQL 5, so you have to download the mysql-connector jar file and drop it in your jrun4/lib folder before you can connect using JDBC. For me this is a complete non-issue, considering you get a free open source database that is quite powerful. If you ever reached a point where you needed more power, you can cluster MySQL just as you can MS SQL. I personally feel they question might better be phrased "What are disadvantages of not using MySQL". How about platform dependence that Microsoft corners customers into?
2) I think I half-covered this above, but let me make another point. Access is not designed to be a the back end database of a web application. Seriously. It will choke with even small loads. There is really no excuse to use it when there are better and more powerful open source alternatives.
3) I have honestly never tried to use hosting support for a database, so I have no opinion on this. Then again, what kind of support are you expecting to need? When companies offer MySQL support they typically give you some type of administrative interface, such as phpMySql or perhaps and open port 3600 to connect using a MySQL Client. That way all the administration is really in your hands unless the server itself craps out and you can be pretty sure they will take care of that.
4) To me the flavor of the database plays such an insignificant role in my development that I really don't care what it is as long as it works. My code doesn't change. This becomes even more true as you begin abstracting the database using DAO/Gateways and stop writing cfqueries all over the place! :)
5) Like the choice of database I think the underlying system becomes pretty insignificant. If you start out with Linux, you will be more conscious about your casing when instantiating objects and such, and will probably be more strict with your development. We have found that when we move Windows-built CFML to a Linux box, we inevitably end up having to search through to find/fix casing problems generated by lazy coders (which was sometimes us). Typically though, you can pick up your Linux-built code and move it to Windows without issue.
That is my .02 anyway, and the reason above are why I/We use Linux/MySQL for our development projects.
With MySQL, you also get the backing of the open source community (once you get past the annoying RTFM krew). They're vocal, helpful and will stick with it no matter how stupid you are. Believe me, I've tested those limits. :-)
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