sql delete function?

[phatening]

Hey fellow programmers,

Quick question. For some reason I have this belief in my head that you can write a constraint(i believe) that will automatically delete expired records whenever a record expires. Supposedly the database will run the constraint everyday or routinely and the constraint will specify which records have expired by comparing the record's date field with the current date.

I tried googling for this but I can't find anything? Am i pulling this idea out of my ass? Or is it possible? I'm using a MySQL database by the way.

THANKS! =)

 

[johnwm]

You could use a Trigger in your database (see

http://www.mysql.com/search/?q=trigger)

but that would run on every Insert or Update. This may be too much database load.

You could also run a Stored Procedure from your front-end on a daily basis,

Note that both suggestions rely on version 5 functionality

________________________________________________________________
If you want to get the best response to a question, please check out FAQ222-2244 first.
'If we're supposed to work in Hex, why have we only got A fingers?'
Drive a Steam Roller

 

[johnwm]

You would probably get a more comprehensive answer to specific mySQL questions in the mySQL forum (forum436)

________________________________________________________________
If you want to get the best response to a question, please check out FAQ222-2244 first.
'If we're supposed to work in Hex, why have we only got A fingers?'
Drive a Steam Roller

 

[phatening]

Thanks guys. I appreciate it.

 

[phatening]

If I would approach this using a stored procedure in my front end, how would I run it on a daily basis?

How can I run a piece of code everytime my webapp has restarted and only once after each restart? I am using JSP's.

Thanks =).