Re: Re: [BULK] Re: [PHP] OK to have many files in one folder?

On 6/18/07, Colin Guthrie <gmane@colin.guthr.ie> wrote:

clive wrote:

I have no clue how big the files are, but you might want to store them in a database. That can speed up things, but don't ask me how much ;) Tijnema

no dude, while database are convenient, files systems are faster, I mean thats what they were designed for, serving files. For lots of files I would store them in directories and sub directories. Yeah amen! I generally use a two character hex hash in my main folder to give 255 sub folders each containing files. In my case the hash is calculated from some known info - e.g. a database ID and then stored in a meta data table. Col -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php

Tij, Referring to one of my earlier posts in this thread, as a refresher, database information is stored in files. So to store files in a database means the following has to take place:

       1.) Data is uploaded to the server.
       2.) Data is processed by the database server.
       3.) Data is compressed and encrypted.
       4.) Data is written to disk.
           (4b. - optional) Data file is checked for integrity and

correctness of write. Then, to serve the content, a similar reverse occurs:

       1.) Request is sent to the server via a script.
       2.) The script interfaces with the database to locate the

desired data row.

       3.) Once located, the data is pulled in raw form from the database file.
       4.) The data is then decompressed and decrypted.
       5.) The data is streamed back to the script.
       6.) The script decides how to handle it, based upon hard-coded options.

For a filesystem, it's simpler. Uploading:

       1.) Data is uploaded.
       2.) Data is written to disk.

Serving:

       1.) Request is sent via script, FTP, socket connection, or

local request.

       2.) File is served through via the method requested.

So there are several pros and cons for each, but just to list three of each with regard to database storage: Pros:

       Can be stored centralized and portable, without needing to archive.
       Automatically encrypted and compressed upon storage.
       Easier and faster to search.

Cons:

       Slower storage and retrieval
       Much greater risk of corruption
       Not always cross-compatible across platforms, versions,

installations, etc. -- Daniel P. Brown [office] (570-) 587-7080 Ext. 272 [mobile] (570-) 766-8107