Database structure

[phppup]

 

I am creating a database with the personal information of customers at a small business. Many of the customers are local residents, while some are business owners.

For those customers with businesses, the company name and a corporate designation is desired.

For purposes of database normalization, is it really necessary to create a separate table for these two pieces of information.

What is the real downside of having two more rows in a single table?

Helpful information appreciated.

[Barand]

It would be

• a second table or
• two extra columns in the first table (some of which would always be empty)

Either way there is no requirement for a second row in a single table.

[maxxd]

I'd recommend a separate table, just to future-proof the system. If you add 2 more columns to your clients table that track company name and designation, what happens when you decide to track phone number, and address, as well as display a logo for the company? Create a second table with the company-specific data points you need and JOIN the two during your queries when and where necessary. This will also cut down on the amount of work the server has to do if, for instance, you want to display only company listings.