Can't find the right Hammer (Trying to pick the right langua
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:02 pm
I've been trying to use a google spreadsheet to log my workouts, and I'm sick and tired of FAIL. So, it's time to move onto a database, so I can generate my own reports and graphs, and not be constrained by a half spreadsheet.
But, I did like the online nature of Google Docs, so, I need that capability in my new tool. I briefly looked into local, shared databases (Bento for Mac / iPhone), and quickly discarded the idea -- again, no power. (Actually, even less power than a google spreadsheet, but I digress)
So, I need to create a simple database, have a way to enter workouts, both via my phone, and via my desktop, and I need to display custom reports of my logs.
Question is, what should I use? Creating the mysql database is trivial. And, I could easily script together some ap for the entry -- but -- the web based portion means that there are better ways to do it, other than trying to crowbar in some script. Hence the reason for this post.
I've narrowed my choices to php+mysql, and Ruby on Rails. I have hacked on php in the past (meaning, modified others' code). And, I've gone a little bit through a RoR tutorial. So, I'm pretty green on both. so, I thought I'd ask you guys (and people over on a RoR forum) what you thought I should use.
I know enough to know that the data entry part both can do. And, with the simplicity of my database, I know RoR is overkill. But, the hard part, IMHO, is the graphing / reporting. And, I'm not sure what architecture would make that the easiest, and most robust. I will likely CONSTANTLY be tweaking the reporting, so I want to be able to do it as simply as possible. And, maybe the solution is something else -- quick php script for data entry, and some free, Crystal Reports like tool for graphing -- I simply don't know. . . . I'm a fish out of water.
So, what do you guys think? Which direction should I go? (What book should I start reading?)
Thanks in advance!
But, I did like the online nature of Google Docs, so, I need that capability in my new tool. I briefly looked into local, shared databases (Bento for Mac / iPhone), and quickly discarded the idea -- again, no power. (Actually, even less power than a google spreadsheet, but I digress)
So, I need to create a simple database, have a way to enter workouts, both via my phone, and via my desktop, and I need to display custom reports of my logs.
Question is, what should I use? Creating the mysql database is trivial. And, I could easily script together some ap for the entry -- but -- the web based portion means that there are better ways to do it, other than trying to crowbar in some script. Hence the reason for this post.
I've narrowed my choices to php+mysql, and Ruby on Rails. I have hacked on php in the past (meaning, modified others' code). And, I've gone a little bit through a RoR tutorial. So, I'm pretty green on both. so, I thought I'd ask you guys (and people over on a RoR forum) what you thought I should use.
I know enough to know that the data entry part both can do. And, with the simplicity of my database, I know RoR is overkill. But, the hard part, IMHO, is the graphing / reporting. And, I'm not sure what architecture would make that the easiest, and most robust. I will likely CONSTANTLY be tweaking the reporting, so I want to be able to do it as simply as possible. And, maybe the solution is something else -- quick php script for data entry, and some free, Crystal Reports like tool for graphing -- I simply don't know. . . . I'm a fish out of water.
So, what do you guys think? Which direction should I go? (What book should I start reading?)
Thanks in advance!