MySQL question, here?

I have a question about the design of a specific mysql database.
My newsserver hasn't got many specific mysql related newsgroups and
those who are supported don't seem to be very active.

Since many of the MySQL work goes hand in hand with PHP this seemed the
best place to ask. Advice on a better place to shop for info is very
welcome.

My issue:

I have to create a db for a shop that sells several kinds of products
(furnaces, dishwashers, washing machines, coffeemakers and the like, and
also spare parts) with:

products
product categories
product category specific details
common specification details

(e.g. the specs for a dishwasher are mostly different from those for a
coffeemaker, but every product has weight, dimensions, color etc.)

I suppose I have to create tables for products, brands, types,
categories, but then there are the details. Should I simply throw all
possible details for all products in one table or is there a better way
? (Currently I can't see any other approach then to create a table for
each product category, and that seems rather unelegant/inefficient.

The number of different products/parts is estimated at 10- to 12000.

I hope I make myself clear. My English still lacks the finesse required
for proper description of my problem I am afraid.

TIA for your help and/or pointers to good mysql news sources.
Regards
Schraalhans

Schraalhans Keukenmeester wrote:
> I have a question about the design of a specific mysql database.
> My newsserver hasn't got many specific mysql related newsgroups and
> those who are supported don't seem to be very active.
>
> Since many of the MySQL work goes hand in hand with PHP this seemed the
> best place to ask. Advice on a better place to shop for info is very
> welcome.
>

comp.databases.mysql


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