Multiple custom fields or serialized array in single custom field

  • stakabo

    (@stakabo)


    12 years ago

    Hey there fellow WordPress maker.

    I have a question that is not really a question. It’s more of a “what you think is a better approach”.

    Senario:
    I have to make a plugin where a post holds some extra info in custom fields.
    it should look something like this:

    Post 1
	Value group A
		Value A - Value B - Value C
	Value group B
		Value A - Value B - Value C
	Value group C
		Value A - Value B - Value C

Post 2
	Value group A
		Value A - Value B - Value C
	Value group B
		Value A - Value B - Value C
	Value group C
		Value A - Value B - Value C

...

    I can get each value stored in a separate custom field or i could serialize all the value of group A and store them in 1 custom field.

    What i’m wondering is if performance wise it’s better to have 25 custom fields with little data in each, or only 2-3 custom fields with serialize data and have php do the work.

    What’s your 2 cent on this ?

    Thank for your opinion !

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • esmi

    (@esmi)

    12 years ago

    What kinds of values will these fields hold?

    Thread Starter stakabo

    (@stakabo)

    12 years ago

    Value would be something like

    Post 1
	Color A
		is_default (true/false) - thumbnail url (string or attachment ID) - thumbnail url (string or attachment ID)

    So, it’s not much data to store in each group.

    thank

    esmi

    (@esmi)

    12 years ago

    If you’re storing urls, then it might be best to use separate fields rather than a serialized array. Trying to change urls in serialized arrays after a site move is pretty hellish.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • The topic ‘Multiple custom fields or serialized array in single custom field’ is closed to new replies.
  • In: Hacks
  • 3 replies
  • 2 participants
  • Last reply from: esmi
  • Last activity: 12 years ago
  • Status: not resolved