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Some simple questions regarding MySQL database structure

Posted: Wed Oct 16, 2002 8:55 am
by mikebr
Maybe one of the MySQl gurus can answer some "probably" very basic questions about MySQL that I can't seem to find answers to, probably because the answers are only available through experiance. These answers I am sure will not only be useful to me but to other newcomers to MySQL, or if anyone knows of a source to the answers of these and similar questions then please post.

Thanks

Is there any recommended limit to the number of tables a MySQL database could or should have? and does the amount of colums that these tables contain effect this?

What is the recommended number of columns not to exceed in a table? and is this effected by the number of tables or columns there are in other tables in the database?

What is the recommended maximum length of a VARCHAR entry, say for saving someones full name or address?

What is the recommended number of digits not to exceed for a auto_increment ID column? and what is the advised number to use?

Is there a limit to the amount of information a MySQL database can hold?

Posted: Wed Oct 16, 2002 10:26 am
by mydimension
as far as size goes for num of tables, num of fields: there really isn't any. you are only limited by your harddrive really. find a structure that works for you and go with it.

with VARCHAR types, again it depends on what you need. i personally use 80 normally but sometimes i use less and sometimes i use more. if the field as the potential to be really large than use TEXT or LOGTEXT.

with the auto_increment, again no real limit.

database systems are designed to handle large (multi-MB or even multi-GB on up to multi-TB) amounts of data. MySQL probably isn't the solution for multi-TB datatbases but it does quite well with multi-MB databases.

hopr that helps.