Adding data to a database when updating

[raqbeckham]

I'm trying to update the info of a record without overwriting what's already there. The database keeps track of donations. Every time someone gives a donation, I want to update their record to keep track of all the donations they've given. In my limited experience with updating a record, I only know how to replace or modify the data. However, I want to just add to it in such a way that will allow me to perform math functions and show a total of their total giving history.

 

MYSQL 5.5.33

PHP: 5.2.17

 

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Beck

[mac_gyver]

you would INSERT a new record for each donation, with the user_id of the person who make it, along with the amount, and date.

 

to get the sum for any user(s), you would simply GROUP BY the user_id and use the SUM() Aggregate function.

[raqbeckham]

Thanks Guru. Does it make sense to have a separate table for the donation history and use a foreign key?

[mac_gyver]

if your last post means to have the user information in one table and the donation information in another, the answer is yes.