[PHP-DB] Record IDs: Numeric or String??
Is it more efficient to store record IDs in a MySQL database as an Integer or a String? I like string IDs better because you can create meaningful names, but, not sure if this means the DB has to work harder or not. Thanks! -- PHP Database Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
Re: [PHP-DB] Record IDs: Numeric or String??
Numeric IDs are probably a bit faster--although if properly indexed not by much--plus you can use self-numbering columns with them. Marco -- php|architect - The magazine for PHP Professionals The first monthly worldwide magazine dedicated to PHP programmer Come visit us at http://www.phparch.com! ---BeginMessage--- Is it more efficient to store record IDs in a MySQL database as an Integer or a String? I like string IDs better because you can create meaningful names, but, not sure if this means the DB has to work harder or not. Thanks! -- PHP Database Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php ---End Message--- -- PHP Database Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
Re: [PHP-DB] Record IDs: Numeric or String??
Always use ints. Also, make sure you actually need an INT before using it: Max Value Unsigned Integer: 4.3 billion or so Unsigned MediumInt: 16.7 million unsigned SmallInt: 65,535 unsigned TinyInt: 255 If you'll only ever have 300,000 rows in a table, use a mediumint. Saves space and sorting time. I use mediumint on almost all tables for primary keys and foreign keys. Peter On Wed, 6 Nov 2002, Monty wrote: Is it more efficient to store record IDs in a MySQL database as an Integer or a String? I like string IDs better because you can create meaningful names, but, not sure if this means the DB has to work harder or not. Thanks! -- PHP Database Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php --- Peter BeckmanSystems Engineer, Fairfax Cable Access Corporation [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.purplecow.com/ --- -- PHP Database Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
