Search form/filter for a database
Hello, I know this is quite a generic question but I need advice on the best way to undertake a task.
I have a big Excel file with a list of known exposition and fairs all around the world. Each column contains data concerning the expo, like country, product category and so on.
I need to "transform" this into an archive for a wordpress website I'm developing and create a search form which allows you to choose zone, country, start date, end date, categories with subcategories and so on.
Then the results are listed in an order you can also choose, and if you click on an expo you get full details.
So I was wondering, which would be the best way to do this?
For instance, I can convert the Excel file into a Mysql table, then I can add the table to the wordpress database OR I can create a new database altogether. Which would be best?
Or is there a way which avoids Mysql and php?
Don't worry about my knowledge in your suggestions because what I don't know I'll try to learn (or get help about :)), but I'd like to know the fastest way to accomplish this.
Also, if you know of any software/plugin/whatever which can help me in the task, feel free to suggest it.
Thanks in advance.
I have a big Excel file with a list of known exposition and fairs all around the world. Each column contains data concerning the expo, like country, product category and so on.
I need to "transform" this into an archive for a wordpress website I'm developing and create a search form which allows you to choose zone, country, start date, end date, categories with subcategories and so on.
Then the results are listed in an order you can also choose, and if you click on an expo you get full details.
So I was wondering, which would be the best way to do this?
For instance, I can convert the Excel file into a Mysql table, then I can add the table to the wordpress database OR I can create a new database altogether. Which would be best?
Or is there a way which avoids Mysql and php?
Don't worry about my knowledge in your suggestions because what I don't know I'll try to learn (or get help about :)), but I'd like to know the fastest way to accomplish this.
Also, if you know of any software/plugin/whatever which can help me in the task, feel free to suggest it.
Thanks in advance.
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great, good luck!
ASKER
One doubt, though. Can't it be "dangerous" to add a table to the WP database? I mean, for instance when upgrading to a new WP version, isn't there a risk of some damaged data?
no. when upgrading wordpress, it only looks at its own tables, it will not touch any user created tables
http://wordpress.org/support/topic/add-tables-to-wp-database
http://wordpress.org/support/topic/add-tables-to-wp-database
ASKER
Great, thanks.
ASKER
I am positive there won't be more than 1 table, it may become 2 but that's it.
So I guess I'm gonna keep it inside the WP database.
I think this would make things easier, in that I wouldn't have to access a different database while connected to the WP one.
The search form itself will probably be a little complex though, so I guess I will open a new topic about that if I encounter any problems (which I will).