Database vs Config file.

[atrum]

Just want to get peoples opinions on the recommended way to go about this.

 

I am attempting to build a guild management tool using php. (for wow in case your curious) and I want to store the classes, races, and any other static data for use in lists, and other functions.

 

I was thinking of just setting up a static table for classes, but I think that might be a waste of resources.

The other way would be to store them all in a static array in a config file.

 

What is the best practice route to take on something like this.

 

I am leaning more towards the config file.

[ignace]

Everything depends on how you want to use the data. Most certainly you want to avoid people specify invalid class names so your database should be something like:

 

CREATE TABLE Classes (
  class_id VARCHAR(32) NOT NULL, -- class name
  PRIMARY KEY (class_id)
) ENGINE=INNODB;

CREATE TABLE Characters (
  character_id VARCHAR(32) NOT NULL, -- character name
  class_id VARCHAR(32) NOT NULL,
  ..
  PRIMARY KEY (character_id),
  FOREIGN KEY (class_id) REFERENCES Classes (class_id)
    ON UPDATE CASCADE
) ENGINE=INNODB;

 

If you are playing against a specific version then you could use:

 

CREATE TABLE Characters (
  character_id VARCHAR(32) NOT NULL, -- character name
  class_id ENUM('<class-id-1>','<class-id-2>') NOT NULL,
  ..
  PRIMARY KEY (character_id)
) ENGINE=INNODB;

 

This makes it easy to manage it from a back-end. The first example will allow you to easily also add classes the second one doesn't and will make it costly to do so. I do not recommend using a config file instead you could use:

 

class RaceClass {
    private $validClasses = array(
        ..
    );
}

[atrum]

Thanks for the advice ,

 

I am thinking the class might be the best route for this since those have only changed once in the 5 years wow has been out (they added death knights).

Not only that but I won't be allowing users to type in their class, they will only be able to select from a pre-compiled list (drop-down).

 

Thanks man, your input is always helpful.

 

 

[ignace]

Thanks man, your input is always helpful.

 

Glad I could help