At heart of every great web application, and many websites, lies a database. If the database isn't designed considering all aspects of the application, whether in its current state or for future expansion, problems will eventually arise.

Database Design & Development

Whether you are looking for a simple database driven website or a complicated web application the first, and without a doubt most important, task to complete is the underlying database structure. Every aspect of what you need your site to do must be thought through along with all the data you will need to store in the database. Missing critical elements or relationships within the database could make or break your newly launched idea. Furthermore long term goals and possible enhancements to your idea should be considered during this stage whenever possible.

That's not to say no changes can ever be made to your database, nothing of the sort, but if your database structure is designed in a manner that doesn't allow easy changes and additions for future expansion there's a good chance you are going to have to pay someone a lot of money to implement the changes and no one wants to do that.

Who Needs A Database?

If you are looking to create anything more powerful than a 'static' HTML website you probably need a database designed. Even simple tasks such as editing your page content requires some form of database. For those looking to retain information about users, members, events, comments or any other advanced capabilities a well designed database is essential. The good news is you only need to know what data you want stored. A good database designer will handle the rest by working with you and your specific needs.

Which Database Is Right For Me?

There are quite a few great databases out there these days. The most popular are:

• MySQL (pronounced 'my see quil') - free open source database
• Postgresql (pronounced post gres q l) - enterprise level free open source database
• MSSQL - Microsoft database requires licensing fees and an MS server
• Oracle - Enterprise level fee based database

Each of the above have their own distinctive advantages and disadvantages, the later two being the cost to use them. I normally work with MySQL or Postgresql due to the cost issues and both of these databases are excellent choices for most websites or applications. For simple websites MySQL is the choice hands down, for larger scale web applications Posgresql is the best you can get. It is as powerful as Oracle without the prohibitive costs.

What Do I Need To Get Started?

With most new clients I will either sit down and go over the data you feel you need, either in person or via phone. If you are doing something membership based you will need to list out what particular data you will need to manage your members. You don't have to make an exhaustive laist at first because we will work together as we develop the specifications of your project and 9 times out of 10 during that process all the required information is identified.

Interested in developing a database driven project? Contact me with your details and I will reply shortly.