[Dovecot] best choice of user database file to work with postfix

[Jerry]

On Fri, 23 Apr 2010 09:03:02 -0400
Phil <ttiphil at gmail.com> articulated:

> You rsync the files an SQL database (like MySQL) works from, and don't
> expect corruption?  That's only safe if the database is synced and
> shut down.  I don't want to be doing that.  If I did run a database
> engine, it would have to import everything ... as a single massive
> transaction (or maybe a live table switch scenario between two
> tables).  To back it up I'd either export the entire table to a file
> (and send that off to the archive), or just back up the file I used
> to import with.

There are numerous ways to export/backup a live MySQL database. I have
employed several of them myself. You might want to check out this URL
for starters:

http://www.noupe.com/how-tos/10-ways-to-automatically-manually-backup-mysql-database.html

Your statement that the only safe way to backup/export an SQL database
is to stop it, etc is totally incorrect. No offense, but I question your
knowledge of SQL, and MySQL in particular. If you need help with SQL, I
know plenty of individuals, including myself, who would be willing to
help you design a usable one for your needs.

I am somewhat perplex by you insinuation that the end users of this
database system you are designing are total novices. Depending on the
table:type you choose, you may very well have to invoke 'postmap' and
perhaps 'postaliase' on them to make them usable by Postfix. If your
intended audience is so incompetent that they cannot handle a simple
SQL database, how do you expect them to handle the intricacies of
getting this database you are designing serviceable?

It is my own opinion; however, I think you are basing your decision on
a fear of SQL more than on simplifying the final database decision. A
simple SQL would greatly simplify maintenance and security. Then again,
you are going to be the one who takes the heat if this blows up in your
face.


-- 
Jerry
Dovecot.user at seibercom.net

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__________________________________________________________________

Entropy requires no maintenance.

	Markoff Chaney
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