Databases run just about everything on the web, from ebay to the latest social networking site. Any site that generates a lot of content and updates on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis should use some sort of online database. There is a reason that most blogs use either a “flat file” database (i.e. MoveableType), or a commercial or open source database application (i.e. WordPress – which this blog uses). Databases store your data so you can output and shape it based on the function that your sites user wishes to perform. This is the meaning of “dynamic data”, the benefits of which i will describe below.

1. Dynamic data is cheap to update. Once you have your database structure set up and have defined what type of data is going to go in, you can add data to your site without having to worry about recreating your pages – also known as your “Front end”. All work is done in the “Back end” – at the database level.
2. Dynamic data is well defined. By defining the data you are working to build up front you give yourself a framework for updates. It’s nice to be able to think “inside the box” sometimes.
3. Dynamic data can update itself. This is a big part of the whole “Web 2.0″ concept. Set up a framework where users can and will expand your site. Look at MySpace, any business dependent on blogging (i.e. Destructoid, Blogger), or even online games (i.e. World of Warcraft, where half the fun is the grouping and guild activities).

Unfortunately, there are also drawbacks to using dynamic data.

1. It needs a framework. This isn’t really a drawback if you’re not building or modifying an existing framework. Keep in mind that when I say “modifying” I am also talking about things like changing templates or any sort of “look and feel”. Anyone who has tried to modify the look of their blog or PhpBB install will tell you there is a fairly high learning curve to get over. Be sure to get a good picture of your development and/or customization costs before you start. Consult experts if necessary.
2. It’s well defined. Yes, this can also be a drawback! Changing the data is easy, however changing the structure of that data by attempting to add more or take some away gets more and more time (read: money) consuming as your site becomes finalized.
3. It may require moderation. Forums, blogs and any sort of commenting system can and will get flooded with spam. Find out how to use automated spam and language filters before spam and foul language become a problem. Akismet is a great example of a spam filter for WordPress. Most large open source projects that take in user generated content have options to enable or disable spam and language filters.

Thanks for reading, i’ll be back soon with more tips on how to use dynamic content.

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 1st, 2007 at 8:36 pm and is filed under Code, Communities, WordPress, community site building, phpBB. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.