rabbitears
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ODBC + virtual server + isapi = confusion
basically, i have the need to write an isapi extension which manipulates a database.. obviously, dao can't be used because it's not thread-safe.. so i'm left with two options: a flat file database or odbc.. problem is, my website is on a virtual server so i don't have means to set up a datasource on the nt box.. given this, what are my database options?
i suppose a flat file would work, but would probably be a complete waste of time..
i suppose a flat file would work, but would probably be a complete waste of time..
Oops -- little follow-up to clarify: I don't understand how being on a virtual server prevents you from setting up an ODBC data source -- I do that all the time....
ASKER
ok, i guess i should clarify.. i'm at home running a dial-up connection in sc. my server, however, is somewhere in md.. the database will remain on the server.. i think you thought i was housing it on my machine.. the only real interaction i have with the computer is an ftp log-on and password..
Where you are doesn't matter. What matters is the relationship between the Web SERVER and the database server (or database file, if, e.g., you're using MS-Access). As long as the Web Server (e.g. IIS or Apache) is on the SAME computer as the database server or file, then ODBC will give you good to excellent performance. Your ISAPI filter will, of course, also run on that same computer.
You can't create an ODBC data source because you're using a web hosting service, and/or don't have physical access to the server (although I hear the drive from sc to md is lovely this time of year, hurricanes notwithstanding... ;-).
Can't you just ask the server operators to create and ODBC data source for you? Most web-hosting facilities will do this. If they can't or won't do this, how did you expect to ever install your ISAPI filter? You'll neet help from a SysAdmin with local access to the server to install that piece as well.
You can't create an ODBC data source because you're using a web hosting service, and/or don't have physical access to the server (although I hear the drive from sc to md is lovely this time of year, hurricanes notwithstanding... ;-).
Can't you just ask the server operators to create and ODBC data source for you? Most web-hosting facilities will do this. If they can't or won't do this, how did you expect to ever install your ISAPI filter? You'll neet help from a SysAdmin with local access to the server to install that piece as well.
ASKER
actually, i'm making that drive in a week or so to see a friend that lives there.. :) anyway, i'm sure they'll create the source for me.. i can also run my extension from the cgi-bin directory.. (don't ask me why i have a cgi-bin directory on an nt box.. they set it up) though i've heard you can set up iis4 to actually run cgi's, but that's irrelevant.. cgi-bin is an execute only directory so it does work..
if you'll post anoher answer, i'll give you the points..
if you'll post anoher answer, i'll give you the points..
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ASKER
thanks again for the help.. the thought of mixing isapi with odbc frightens me a little bit so i'll probably be calling again :)
good day
good day
Consider also that in the case of an ISAPI extension, if your web server and DB server run on the same machine, the overhead of ODBC is not so bad. It's when you have an ODBC driver talking to a data source over the network that the performance really tanks. Unless you have some other objection to ODBC....
Does this help?