Re: Re: Re: Getting started with Postgres or MySQL
Roberto C. Sanchez wrote:
> On Thu, Feb 01, 2007 at 01:16:18PM -0500, Angelo Bertolli wrote:
>
>> (2) MySQL is a shorter learning curve for new users
>>
>>
> What? In what way? Learning to develop against MySQL is no harder or
> easier than learning to develop against PostgreSQL (besides the fact the
> people need to be broken of the stupid misconceptions engendered by the
> pervasveness of MySQL). The two are just different.
>
Mostly in letting people do rapid development without requiring a lot of
forethought in database design. I know, I know, my argument is a lot
weaker these days with improvements made to Postgres. Legacy counts too
in this case because when there is a big MySQL userbase out there that
means more support. But, as you said before, that's not a technical merit.
MySQL is to the database world what PHP is to the programming language
world: feels sloppy... but it's fast and easy. I still don't think
that makes PHP "not a real language," although I'm sure it feels that
way to some people. I wouldn't write anything but a dynamic website in
PHP, but as far as I'm concerned PHP is the best thing to write a
dynamic website in. I'm not quite so adamant about using MySQL for
certain things, but I do feel like it's a perfectly appropriate solution
sometimes.
>> things. Yeah, it sucks that MySQL requires an application layer to any
>> system (i.e. you, as the programmer, must provide rules, enforce data
>> integrity, and up until recently even manage your own foreign keys).
>>
>
> OK. How in the world does this sort of garbage shorten the user's
> learning curve. You are contradicting yourself.
>
It doesn't. Your point (and Ron's) about teaching people bad design
techniques and bad habits is well-taken. MySQL does not enforce good
habits. And if you have good habits or know how to design a database
well, then using those techniques actually makes your life easier.
But you're coming from an angle where people know or must learn all of
that just before they're able to even start. Don't you see how not
having to learn that is faster for some people?
--
Angelo Bertolli
Please remove my email address from your post when replying
[Tech http://bitfreedom.com | Gaming http://heroesonly.com]
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