Database driven web site

I am planning to move my business on the web soon. I need to access some kind of database from my site (soon to be uploaded). I am not computer wizard, but know some stuff. I have created my HTML pages myself and like to write code to connect to a database.
My question is: what kind of database should I use and where I can learn best (fast and simple) to do that.

I am in real state and my site will have 200- 400 customers that list their homes with several pictures on them (I list it for them). I need the ability to update, add, remove.. info from database and the ability to search based on few criteria. Your help will greatly be appreciated. I am not sure what other info. I can provide right now. I have called some designers and found out they charge exuberant amount of money to just incorporate Database into my HTML pages, which I can not afford right now, so if I can I like to do it myself. Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance.

Sounds like a job for PHP and PostgreSQL or MySQL.

The project doesn't sound too difficult, however it may be a bit daunting at first if you haven't played much with db stuff or web scripting languages. Not sure what you consider exuberant, but if you're looking to outsource the program you may want to post your specs in the Help Wanted forum to see if any contractors out there will bid for your project to see if they have more reasonable fees than people you've already contacted. If time constraints aren't an issue and you're willing to learn and get your hands dirty with some web programming I'd say it's a pretty decent first project. Once you start you'll probably have more focused questions which people around will be able to help you better with.

-b

Well, the "fast and simple" way would be to throw the data in a few tables in Mysql, but that's not necessarily the best way. You want to plan things right from the start. I would definitely take some time and read up on database design. Draw some models to organize how the data will be stored. Putting some extra thought and time in now will save you aggravation later. It will also help you to plan for future growth and allow for expansion and growth later on.

Implementation of database applications shouldn't always be "fast and simple" but well thought out from the beginning, IMHO, unless it's a relatively small project with little room for growth and very short lifecycle.

Also, bcycde suggested Postgresql; I'll also say this is a good idea. It's not as "fast and simple" as Mysql, but it has features you'd expect in a RDMS that will save you a great deal of code, features that Mysql lacks.

I would say take some time and read a good deal about databases before jumping into this project; it will be worth it in the long run.

Thanks to everyone for reply. I have been doing a lot of reading and the choice seems to between MySQL and Postgresql. I really don't know the differences between the two, to make a good judegment. More reading is required. Thanks for all the replys. It helps alot.

Ali

Well, it depends how much effort you want to put into the database. In my opinion, you should put a lot of thought into planning the database because it's the foundation of your application, the data. There are many things that a RDMS such as Postgresql can do that Mysql cannot do. These things save you time and code.

The biggest difference is that Postgresql has referential integrity wheras Mysql is lacking this area. This is a big thing. You'll no doubt see this topic in reading abuot relational database design. The database can take care of making sure the relationships between data are enforced. This way you don't have to add these kinds of checks in your code. You can spend your time focusing on other things than doing what the database can take care of in the first place.

If you'd like, I could probably find a bunch of links to good readings on the topic from the database concepts course I took last fall.

Thanks for Input Denny, I really appriciate anyhelp. At times it seems overwhelming, but exciting at the same time. I would appriciate any link that can help shed more light on this subject.

Thanks again,
Ali

look around at http://www.hotscripts.com just do a search for "real state".

Here is one company that offers a free custom install.

http://realestatelistingmanager.com/


Most packages are between USD 100 - USD 150 and I am willing to bet that more than one offers free install or cheap install. Why reinvent the wheel. This is a pretty cheap outsourcing solution if one of the packages meet your needs.

kfickert
You are a savior. I can’t believe this. The whole thing is there. I guess this is the power of forum.
Thanks so much for the reference. Both sites are fantastic.

Good Job.