Re: Storing multiple items in one MySQL field?

-- Niel Archer niel.archer (at) blueyonder.co.uk > Hello phpers and sqlheads, > If you have a moment, I have a question. > > INTRO: > I am trying to set up categories for a web site. > Each item can belong to more than one category. > > IE: Mens, T-Shirts, Long Sleeve Shirts, etc.. etc.. > (Sorry no fancy box drawing) > > QUESTION: > My question is what would the best way be to store this in one MySQL > field and how would I read and write with PHP to that field? > I have thought of enum() but not on the forefront of what that > actually does and what it is best used for. > I just know its a type of field that can have multiple items in it. > Not sure if its what I need. > > REASON: > I just want to be able to query the database with multiple category > ID's and it check this field and report back if that category is > present or if there are multiple present. > Maybe return as a list or an array? I would like to stay away from > creating multiple fields in my table for this. Have you considered separate tables? Store the categories in one table and use a third to store the item and category combination, one row per item,category combo. This is a common pattern to manage such situations. > NOTE: > The categories are retrieved as a number FYI. > > Any help/code would be greatly appreciated. > But a link does just fine for me. > > Best Regards, > > Karl DeSaulniers > Design Drumm > http://designdrumm.com > > Hope your all enjoying your 2012!