Hi
My career has primarily been a backend (file, network, and kernel, C++) and middle-tier (transactions, stored procedures, java, PHP) developer. However, on occasions, I am asked to develop a presentation layer solution.
For small Intranet deliverables, I have been able to get away in whipping up a data-driven site by using PHP + MySQL/MS-SQL.
But, I want to broaden my craft as a programmer, and I want to understand what rule-of-thumb I should follow to choose between:
[*]PHP + MySQL functions(): Synchronous Query by direct connection to DB
[*]XQuery
[*]AJAX - Asynchronous Query by indirect connection to DB
I know that I can perform all the basic data-access control operations (e.g., navigation, aggregation, filtering) by synchronous queries by direct connection to a DB (using SELECT, INSERT, DELETE, stored procedures, etc...). But when should I consider the other two?
I have not any discussion on the Net that clarifies this question, or am I total confused trying to compare apples to oranges?
Thanks for the help,
Jeff in Seattle