Bob,
Your questions are really far too broad for this list. I will give
them a shot but you wont find them very helpful, I'm afraid. And the
Kitchen company won't come into it.
a.. What advantages does a database have over flat-file systems ?
This could be the subject of an essay. In fact it is the subject
of tens of thousands of essays since the mid-70's, starting with Codd
and Date. You might want to google for an introduction to Relational
Database Management Systems (RDBMS). Any cursory response on a
mailing list could not begin to do that question justice.
b.. Are there any disadvantages in switching to a database solution ?
See answer to question a.
c.. What is MySQL, and how does it relate to ASP,
Javascript/VBscript and flat-files ?
MySQL is a Relational Database Management System.
ASP is a web development language (one of many) which often uses
RDBMSs to store and retrieve data.
Javascript/VBscript are client-side scripting languages and,
generally speaking, have nothing to do with the question at hand.
flat-files are a alternative means of storing and retrieving
data. They are still in use for certain limited applications. They
generally are much faster but are *far* less powerful and leave a
whole mes of low-level details in the programmers hands.
d.. Are there any alternatives to MySQL ?
Dozens: Oracle, postgresql, Informix, DB2, SQL Server, Ingres, Sybase...
Best of luck researching your report.
--
- michael dykman
- mdykman@stripped
- All models are wrong. Some models are useful.
