multiple dbs / multiple tables in one db question?

[MatrixBrains]

Case A: i have 10 forums each drawing threads from 10 separate databases, while the username is in an 11th database (a separate one)

Case B: HAving 10 forums in same database with usernames in the same database

Q1) Which is faster (considering heavy traffic) / are both reasonably equal in terms of loading of pages?
Q2) While backing up the data, which is easier (considering the fact that i am on reseller hosting plan (not personal IIS Server from which i can back up), so the problems will be - the more the data in a single file, the longer it will take to download, more chances of connection breaks).

Q3) Can 2 websites each have a database for threads and one common database for members table (residing on any one of the 2 websites)?

Regards,
MB

[rogerd]

Have you chosen a technology or specific forum software, MB? E.g., MySQL, MSSQL, etc?

[FourDegreez]

What I would do is, keep it all in the same database unless the volume is crazy high on each of the forums. Even then I would lean toward a single database. Keeping it all in one place is a lot easier to manage, and modern database technology on good hardware should handle it. You do want to take care to select database software that isn't locking tables and such... I think even MySQL no longer does that in newer versions. Something like Postgres, Oracle, etc. should have no problem.

are both reasonably equal in terms of loading of pages?

If your multiple databases are running on the same hardware, then probably both solutions are relatively the same in terms of speed.

While backing up the data

It would be a trade-off between fewer, larger files or many smaller files. Whatever you're more comfortable with. I think that having many databases to backup adds complexity. But it's true that massive backup files can be very unwieldy.

Can 2 websites each have a database for threads and one common database for members table

They certainly can, but you will be limited by whatever software package you're using.

[MatrixBrains]

Thanks FourDegreesz!
[Where can i get more info about the third question - i.e. 2 sites, 2 diff dbs one for each, using one common db for username, so that they do not have to login again.]

RogerD - I will be using mySQL (as for multiple databases, that will be a cheaper option financially).

Why was i thinking to split my forums in diff. dbs?
1) Back up problem (as i am not running the hardware - Reseller hosting plan)

2) i believe that it should speed up my page access
(I do not know whether it is true based on my little knowledge. But if i have 1,00,000 threads in each of the 10 forums, then opening and closing a db connection separately for each db may not be faster than opening one common db, but considering the number of threads that you have to scroll in the db, the first option i.e. have separate dbs, should make pages load faster, as there are lesser number of thread to loop through.)

Any Commnents?

{please excuse with my lingo, i think i dont even know the "w" of www)

Regards,
MB

[rogerd]

Note that some hosts limit the number of MySQL databases you can run, so your host could steer you toward a combined database solution. However, if you are talking about multiple forums with hundreds of thousands or millions of posts, you aren't going to exist in a shared hosting environment - you are probably looking at a load-balanced cluster of multi-processor servers.

I don't know of software that will do the shared username table, but then again I've never looked for this feature. I'd guess you'll have to look at the "hacks" available for whatever forum software you are looking at, or have someone code this for you. It sounds fairly straightforward.

[MatrixBrains]

Thanks RogerD! Your replies have been very informative (not only to me, but to a whole lot of people out here).

I have unlimited mySQL dbs in my hosting plan (that's what it says )

The millions of posts that i am talking about - This the what i think the potential of my project (Me be that i am day dreaming, but if i got to dare, i need a dream to chase first).

[I know a simple thanks is not enough appreciation. But coming from the BOTTOM OF MY HEART, i think you can understand the way i am feeling, for all the information and support over here.]

Regards,
MB