Re: [libreoffice-users] Adding fields to existing Base table

I agree that planning is key.  I started with a spreadsheet until the
data source was stable.  The plan is to import the data into Base, do
some reports, report my progress, then gather comments and suggestions. 
My guess is that the database will grow - I just don't know to what. 
So, I may end up exporting the tables to spreadsheet and re-import. 
Once the database is stable, I plan to move to either MySQL or MariaDB.

Dave,

On Tue, Jul 15, 2014, at 07:30 PM, elderdanlewis wrote:
>    If you are going to create a database, you plan it THOROUGHLY! Beginning with a small simple 
> database and expanding it to a very large one is only asking for a complete disaster! Unless you 
> are using a flat database, your tables need to be in at least fourth normal form. Repeatedly 
> adding additional fields can cause the table containing these fields to loose its normal form. 
> Then there is no way to know if your quieries and reports contain acurate information or not.
>    The purpose of a relational darabase is to enter data without any repetition of it. 
> http://wiki.documentation.org/Documentation/Publications has chapter two of the Base Guide on it: 
> Planning/Designing your Database. Use it to plan what you need. Only then select the database 
> engine you will use to create the database. Your database is only as good as your plan!
>
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Girvin Herr <girvin.herr@sbcglobal.net> 
> Date:07/10/2014  4:17 PM  (GMT-05:00) 
> To: users@global.libreoffice.org 
> Subject: Re: [libreoffice-users">libreoffice-users] Adding fields to existing Base table 
>
> Dave,
> I use the MySQL server and have added table fields before.  It is simple 
> in the LO Base table design window.
> Tables -> right click on table -> select Edit
> MySQL accepts these changes and adds the field.  Of course, then you 
> must add the new field toyour forms, queries, relationships and 
> reports, as needed.
>
> Deleting fields is another matter.  I have had problems with MySQL field 
> deletions before - especially messing with the primary key. Then it may 
> be a matter of directly using the MySQL interface program, with some SQL 
> code, bypassing LO Base.  But it is possible.  So be careful what you 
> do.  Think it out first.
>
> I have no experience with the internal HSQLDB server.  From what I read 
> on this forum, using the internal HSQLDB server with a large 3GB 
> database is not recommended.  Best to use MySQL, MariaDB, or Postgresql 
> for such large databases.  Also, remember that there may be no way to 
> easily port your data from the internal HSQLDB database to an external 
> database if you so decide to make the change in the future.  You may end 
> up re-entering it all.  Best to make the commitment now, before you run 
> into a wall.  Note that I consider my databases "large" at 2.7_M_B for 
> the current largest.  IMHO, 3GB is out there.
>
> HTH.
> Girvin Herr
-- 
  dave boland
  dboland9@fastmail.fm

-- 
http://www.fastmail.fm - Same, same, but different...


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