Images in DataBase or Server Folder?

hi everyone,

I'm currently developing a website

and have a lot of images to use there(obviously :P),

until now I have in some tables in my sql server db where exists a column which stores the path to: 'image folder + filename'

And my question is: what are the advantages of using binary images in database instead of this approach to the problem, i.e., having images stored in a server folder.

Thanks in advance.

If you store the image in the table, your queries against the table could get slower. your DB size could grow much larger. The adv is if you backup/restore you dont need to explicitly move your images or worry about updating the path if yuu just stored the path value. If you store the images on a shared drive, you can make them accessible from any production server so if you had to move your db's you just update the path with an UPDATE statement. This can save considerable time when backing up or restoring.

These are some obvious advantages/disadvantages. What works for you may not work for others. so you need to investigate thoroughly (by sufficient testing) which approach suits you best.

|||thanks for the answer.sql

I'm new, I'm lost, I think I've installed the wrong this!

Hi folks

I've got experience of developing applications using relational databases, but I've never installed a database on my PC.

I've just downloaded and installed .NET Framework 2.0 without issues. I also did Visual C# Express with no problems and I've made a couple of example projects successfully.

What I wanted to do next was install SQL Server Express so I can design a database and then use Visual C# to create a GUI to do a simple add/edit/delete type scenario.

So, I have installed something called SQL Server 2005. I tried to install SQL Server Express, but for some reason it isn't called that on my list of programs.

When I open that up I have a choice of SQL Server Configuration Manager or SQL Server 2005 Surface Area Configuration. None of these look like what I was expecting - a nice Studio where I can create tables much like MS Access.

Perhaps I need to do something with one of these tools to get to where I want to be, or perhaps I am barking up the wrong tree and I need to do some uninstalling.

I wondered if someone could guide me? I feel so lost that I don't even know the right questions to ask to get the answers.

Thanks

Richard

The 'standard' installation for SQL Express does not include any 'client tools', i.e., "where I can create tables".

However, you can download and install the SQL Server Management Studio Express from:

SQL Server 2005 Express Books Online Express Edition
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms165706.aspx

SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (Advanced/SSMS)
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/compare/default.aspx
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms365247.aspx
http://tinyurl.com/yelwr9

I included the url for Books Online -the definitive help source for SQL Server.

|||

Thank you kind sir.

I guessed there was another step to do but I just couldn't figure it out.

I'm downloading now, so if I have any issues with the installation I'll pop back for help. Or, I'll try the online book which looks like it'll be a great help.

Have a nice day.