Saving binary files in a database.

[Proqrammer]

I was planning to use FTP server in order to store my files in the network, but then I decided to use SQL Server 2005 to store my files and keep them.

I have created a separate database for my files, I haven't had any problems yet but some people tell me it's not a good idea.

Are there any bad effects for using SQL Server 2005?

 

[ptheriault]

Yes, Performance. You find it faster to store the location to your file in the database but keep the actual file in a folder on the server.

- Paul

- If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.

 

[mrdenny]

Dito.

When ever possible store blob data (docs, xls, pics, etc) out side of the SQL Server and just put a pointer in the database which points to the physical file.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[Proqrammer]

Well in this case it's not possible to store the files and keep the locations, because I want all the clients to have acesss to the files and I want them to be able to upload files as well.

Have a look at my website,

http://www.yahoo.com

 

[onpnt]

I haven't had any problems yet but some people tell me it's not a good idea.

Sorry, but you asked for our opinion and experience on why NOT to do this but yet you just shoot it down. You said you decided not to use the FTP server. Was there a reason? If you have security that open to the files I'm not seeing a advantage over the storage. It will be a much easier development process also not storing the files in the database server over the file system.

SQL Server 2005 does do a better job at storing files but no amount is going to help the performance issue with any database server while storing files in it.

btw..is this how yahoo is going to store files seeing as you say it's your site?

[sub]____________ signature below ______________
The worst mistake you'll ever make is to do something simply the way you know how while ignoring the way it should be done[/sub]

 

[Proqrammer]

onpnt, yes there was a security reason for using ftp, and no Yahoo doesn't do that.

Have a look at my website,

http://www.yahoo.com

 

[ptheriault]

Programmer,
I don't know if you realize this but you are providing a link to yahoo as your website? Is that who you work for? Are developing this for yahoo? If not you should preview your post before you post it.

- Paul

- If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.

 

[Proqrammer]

I have worked for yahoo.com for a short while, so I consider yahoo.com to be mine. and no this is a totally different project that I'm working on now.

Have a look at my website,

http://www.yahoo.com

 

[Proqrammer]

And that's my signature by the way, I'm not typing it.

Have a look at my website,

http://www.yahoo.com

 

[jeffmoore64]

Hmmm... maybe I should apply at Yahoo....