Proper use of attachments and data.

[Kevin Ensign]

Wanting to start my first database and would like to here what is correct before I begin. I know there is software users can purchase for what I am doing, but need the experience and would like the ability to tailor to my needs.



My DB will be for firearms. In my application the end result will be a picture of the target from a unique firearm, load, distance shot etc. With that being said I would like to know what options I have for storing the picture? From doing searches it seems the file size will be the limiting factor.

Another possible problem could be the chronograph data. We use multiple machines to get this data, but usually it is all in an excel format or pdf. of some sort. I don't think this will be a large file, but also looking for options on how to link to the end result.

thanks,
Kevin

[CJ_London]

it is better to store the images in a file in a specific directory and store a path to the file in the db.

The same goes for related pdf/excel files.

You can use attachments, but as you have noted, it will lead to bloating of the back end.