Re: [PHP] Re: Where to start!

Tony Marston wrote:
"Richard Heyes" <richardh@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:481ED03B.7090200@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The database must be properly normalised otherwise it
will be difficult to get at the data you need in an efficient manner.
Not true. If your needs are simple for example, normalisation can increase the complexity of a schema, hence increasing development time needed. Sometimes for example you could use something like a SET type, and search for something in it using FIND_IN_SET().

I disagree. The database should ALWAYS be normalised to at least the 3rd normal form. Sometimes going beyond that to 4NF, 5NF or 6NF becomes too complex.

Sometimes it's just a waste of time. If your site isn't that busy, and speed isn't crucial, why waste the time using a more complicated database structure?

--
Richard Heyes

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