I'm trying to design a 3D computer game comparison database using PHP and MySQL, incorporating all the data in and (46 games so far), and allowing submissions via the still-being-designed game entry form at .
Now, as you can see from the form, I want to allow people to enter custom fields in addition to the provided options (pull-down lists and checkboxes), but I'm having a hard time figuring out how to design that. Do I use "set" fields or cross-reference tables where keys are duplicated and the text-entry field data is entered in them or is there a more efficient way?
Games can have more than one of just about everything.
Original relationships: Later design (lots of cross-reference tables): Latest cross-reference design: Heirarchial design proposed by Barry White:
Here are some discussions I've been involved in so far regarding this database in case you need more info/details:
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I really need as thorough table structures as possible. Thanks!
Now, as you can see from the form, I want to allow people to enter custom fields in addition to the provided options (pull-down lists and checkboxes), but I'm having a hard time figuring out how to design that. Do I use "set" fields or cross-reference tables where keys are duplicated and the text-entry field data is entered in them or is there a more efficient way?
Games can have more than one of just about everything.
Original relationships: Later design (lots of cross-reference tables): Latest cross-reference design: Heirarchial design proposed by Barry White:
Here are some discussions I've been involved in so far regarding this database in case you need more info/details:
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I really need as thorough table structures as possible. Thanks!