[ic] "upgrade" from DBM files to a MySQL server solution in IC 4.8.7

[Eros Shop]

At 10:01 16/04/2004, you wrote:
>On Thu, 15 Apr 2004 20:00:44 +0100
>Eros Shop <info at eros-shop.co.uk> wrote:
>
> > At 15:55 15/04/2004, you wrote:
> > >On Thu, 15 Apr 2004 15:29:49 +0000
> > >"Lyn St George" <lyn at zolotek.net> wrote:
> > >
> > > > On Thu, 15 Apr 2004 13:12:16 +0100, Mark Bryant wrote:
> > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >Hi Everyone,
> > > > >
> > > > >I'm thinking it's about time that I stopped using DBM files and moved
> > > to an
> > > > >SQL based solution with my IC install. The site it getting quite 
> busy and
> > > > >I'm hoping to improve its performance by changing to MySQL. The other
> > > > >benefit, of course, that we'll be able to share the DB data with other
> > > > >applications more easily.
> > > > >
> > > > >So, on to my (probably) daft question....
> > > > >
> > > > >Does anyone know the location of a complete HOWTO doc that covers the
> > > > >conversion process including the importing of the existing DBM 
> file data
> > > > >into the MySQL server or does anyone have one they are prepared to 
> share?
> > > > >I've not altered the tables in any way or added new fields 
> (although I am
> > > > >using the odd redundant table field to store data I need/want 
> rather than
> > > > >use it for it's intended purpose and have to add new fields), so it
> > > should
> > > > >be relatively straight forward?
> > > >
> > > > This is one way which works:
> > > >
> > > > 1. backup all of your import files (products.txt, transactions.txt, 
> etc)
> > > > 2. make an html page with [tag export transactions 
> transactions.txt][/tag]
> > > > and so on for every table you have, and put this in your pages 
> directory.
> > > > 3. browse to that  page and your 'import files' are now updated
> > > > 4. in variable.txt, set 'mysql <tab>1', 'SQLDSN<tab>dbi:mysql:test_vwe'
> > > > (being a 'test_*' table it will be created without a username or 
> password)
> > > > 5. restart IC and break out a cold beer.
> > >
> > >I recommend to copy the whole catalog and test the conversion first.
> > >Especially you need to check if the field sizes in the SQL database
> > >are sufficient for your data.
> > >
> > >         Racke
> >
> > Dear Lynne,
> >
> > Many thanks for that great set of instructions, it's much appreciated :)
> >
> > I'll give them a go once I'm able to resolve the other bits of the copy 
> and
> > trial process ;)
> >
> >
> > Dear Racke,
> >
> > You say that stuff about copying catalogs like I should already know 
> how to
> > run off a working copy, which sadly I don't. I'm sure it's easy enough 
> when
> > you know how (or have a vague clue where to start). Could you support this
> > idea with some kind of process/procedure I should be following to achieve
> > it please?
>
>That heavily depends on your environment, but I give you a rough schedule:
>
>* cp -a the catalog to a different directory
>* change variables like SERVER_NAME, CGI_URL
>* cp -a the link script
>* create the necessary Apache configuration for the test catalog
>* add the test catalog to interchange.cfg
>
> >
> > Also, did you have any particular fields (bearing in mind I'm using a
> > default foundation install) that are likely to be affected and be too 
> short
> > after conversion? I assume you've hit this one before and is why you're
> > suggesting I look out for it? A list of potentials is going to save me a
> > lot of time :)
>
>I recommend to check if you can use dbconf/mysql from recent Interchange
>source code. The ICDEVGROUP did a couple of field adjustments since 4.8.7.
>
>After you set up the test catalog and switched over to MySQL on it you can
>reimport the text files with my script dbs_update (from DBIx::Easy).
>This script will warn you if the field is too small (at least
>for string types).
>
>         Racke

Hi Racke,

Thanks for the clarification of the copy process. Between the info from you 
and Lyn I think I've got enough info to be brave enough to attempt all this :)

However, you mention your script called dbs_update, could you give me a 
clue as to where I can find it as it sounds jolly useful? Is it in a recent 
tar for IC, on your website or other?

Many thanks

Mark



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