PHP Script - Repair or Trash?

Hello,

First of all, let me say that I am not a programmer. But, I have an article management script that has been created for me. I have found major "bugs" in the script and cannot reach the programmer. Since I am selling this script as a product, I would like your advice as to how to proceed.

The script IS being used on about 10 sites, but has major problems. I would hate to have to tell my customers that they have to start over with their article databases.

1. Do you think it is possible to have "repairs" done while the script is in use?

2. Do you think I should have the script rebid (reconstructed) from scratch?

I am totally frustrated and have no clue where to go from here.

Thanks for your help,

Jude

First of all *comfort*.
Regardless of whether it was a case of 'you get what you pay for' or shoddy work, it is still a pain to have such a problem.

Without seeing the script, I'd advise you to think of these questions:
Is the database structure sound?
If it is you may be able to write another script or fix the current one.
If the database is not sound, you might as well start over and hope you might be able to import some of the data.
As to what constitutes a 'sound' structure-it would vary, but as a general rule I look at a db table and see if I can easily figure out what each column is and if I can see the relationships between tables. A layman should be able to grasp the basic logic of a table, even if they couldn't figure out the details/calls.
If you can figure that out, then if you are going to expand in the future, can you see a way to do it without restructuring the db or creating a lot of 'special' cases.

As to your questions:
1) usually a bad idea. Fix the script(s) doing a conversion if needed once.

2) If this was a case of 'you get what you pay for' just remember cheap & fast is rarely good and just as when you hire people for any other job-get references, samples of past work, etc. Don't just rely on the 'ratings' you see on sites. Of course expensive doesn't mean good always either .

Be detailed in just what you want-that way people know what they are getting into and what you expect. If you know qualified programmers you might want to bid just to have them look the script over and see if it -can- be fixed, before doing more.

Hope this helps,

Ng