RE: [PHP-DB] Database

I've had some negative experiences with PostgreSQL. While the installation was fairly non-trivial, it was nothing I couldn't handle. The real trouble started when I ran into PostgreSQL's row-size limitation. I recompiled with a larger size, but I still had problems and all I really managed to accomplish was to make the server consume more memory. On top of this, the server is non-threaded, which means it consumes a ton of memory for my needs...with all of the concurrent database processes open (it also likes quite a bit of shared memory). Other quirks I ran into included performance problems if you don't use "VACUUM" on a regular and even frequent basis. I am currently using Sybase, which has an easier install, lower resource usage, the ability to effectively store all my data without running into any fixed size limitations, and decent performance without frequent maintenance commands. All of this came out of the box for a reasonable price (a lot less than Oracle, in any event). I also tried Interbase 6.0. Unfortunately, I didn't play around with it for too long, but it seems to support all the basic features people need, and it is free. The installation was very straight forward, and the documentation is good. My problem stemmed from the fact that I could find no easy way to import data from CSV/ASCII format! The absolute best tool I could find was a fixed-length import tool, and a crude one at that. It might be worth a shot for people without the need to import existing data, though (or perhaps they've added functionality since then). In either event, it looks to be a relatively mature product, considering its price. If you are considering PostgreSQL and cannot afford a commercial solution, you might want to check out Interbase. -Brian >From: "Jason" <jasonc@webpipe.net> >To: "Maarten Stolte" <M.Stolte@Samhoud.nl> >Cc: <php-db@lists.php.net> >Date: Thu, 8 Jun 2000 10:16:32 -0600 >MIME-Version: 1.0 >Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit >Subject: RE: [PHP-DB] Database > >Postgres is a good choice. It's fast and free. As far as support, if your >DB admin is worth his weight, he should be able to pick up Postgres pretty >quick. The only thing I don't like about Postgres is the lack of books >available. Oracle is just so darn expensive. I would also take into >consideration the OS you're connecting from. I've had trouble with ODBC and >Postgres. > >Jason > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Maarten Stolte [mailto:M.Stolte@Samhoud.nl] >> Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2000 3:53 AM >> To: 'php-db@lists.php.net' >> Subject: [PHP-DB] Database >> >> >> Hi, >> >> I know the subject has been on this list millions of times before, >> but I'm going to bring it up again.. >> We need a database server for our website(s), and we need support for >> it. >> It needs to be easy to administrate for someone who knows Oracle, and >> it needs to be reasonably fast. >> I know there is Postgresql, I know there is Informix, I know >> there is MySQL, >> but I only consider Postgresql, DB2 and Informix an option, since MySQL >> lacks >> some features i'd need (rollback etc). >> I think the most important issues here are support, speed and price. >> Any info is very wellcome.. >> >> thanks. >> >> Maarten Stolte >> >> -- >> PHP Database Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) >> To unsubscribe, e-mail: php-db-unsubscribe@lists.php.net >> For additional commands, e-mail: php-db-help@lists.php.net >> To contact the list administrators, e-mail: php-list-admin@lists.php.net >> >> > > >_______________________________________________________ >Site Design, Hosting, and E-Commerce at www.webpipe.net