On Mon, 2008-05-05 at 11:10 +0100, Richard Heyes wrote:
> Tony Marston wrote:
> > "Richard Heyes" <richardh@phpguru.org> wrote in message
> > news:481ED03B.7090200@phpguru.org...
> >>> The database must be properly normalised otherwise it
> >>> will be difficult to get at the data you need in an efficient manner.
> >> Not true. If your needs are simple for example, normalisation can increase
> >> the complexity of a schema, hence increasing development time needed.
> >> Sometimes for example you could use something like a SET type, and search
> >> for something in it using FIND_IN_SET().
> >
> > I disagree. The database should ALWAYS be normalised to at least the 3rd
> > normal form. Sometimes going beyond that to 4NF, 5NF or 6NF becomes too
> > complex.
>
> Sometimes it's just a waste of time. If your site isn't that busy, and
> speed isn't crucial, why waste the time using a more complicated
> database structure?

Hmmm, my last post should have clarified I agreed primarily with 3rd
normal form. Higher levels don't usually have the same kind of payoff.

Cheers,
Rob.
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