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Blog storage: flat file versus database

by Mar Matthias Darin

When I set my blog up and went through all the metrics of which the file storage and such. I had to choose between a flat file system or using a database back-end, typically MySQL. I spent quite a bit of time researching both methods before I finally made my decision. I chose file file storage.

I have made a list below of the the features that ultimately was the basis behind my thinking:

• Flat file system work off of the default OS file system thus offering easy of migration between Windows and Linux.
• If I ever did find the need to migrate to a database style system, the flat files would be easy to read and manipulate.
• Low maintenance. A database could easy take the site down for several hours. I didn't want this, especially with a new blog. The down time would always be when I wanted the thing up... Murphy's Law.
• Ease of backups. The flat file system and FTP access ment I could upload my blog almost anywhere so my hosting requirements just got a lot more flexibility, should I ever need another host.
• Flat file systems are not as prone to corruption as a database system. That being said, my professional experience, as a database specialist, recovery and damage control are often miles apart and significantly easier and simpler with a flat file system.
• Flat file systems do require more expertise in maintaining. Being a programmer since 1980, that wasn't an issue for me.
• A flat file system translates to less CPU usage and less time waiting for my blog to load.
• Having my posts in flat files means I don't have the issues of the database back-end going down or becoming unresponsive.
• Not having a database back-end has increased my security. After all, that is one less application running.

My blog currently has 196 posts (including this one) and 14,000+ tag files that are generated from the posts. Regeneration time takes only around 23 seconds total. Thats not bad for rewriting almost 15,000 files associated with my blog. I may at some time in the future find the need for a database based system, but right now and in the foresee-able future, the flat file system has been a good choice.

Why did you choose your blog storage file system?

Top tags: file, flat, system, database, blog, files, storage, easy, end, posts

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