Question

I have defined various text value by int. I store int value in data table for better and fast search. I have three options to display text value:

1. I declare Enum in my codes and display text value according to int value. It is static and I have to change code if new values is to be added.

2. To make it dynamic, I can store int and text value in a table which is in another database and admin own it. New values can be updated by admin in this table. I use inner join to display text value whenever a record is fetched.

3. I store actual text in respective data table. This will make search slow.

My question is which option is best to use under following condition?

1. Data table has more than records between 1 and 10 millions.
2. There are more than 5000 users doing fetch, search, update process on table.
3. Maximum text values are 12 in number and length (max) 50 char.
4. There are 30 data tables having above conditions and functions.

Answer 1

I like combination of option #2 and option #1 – to use int’s but have dictionary table in another database.
Let me explain:

• to store int and text in a table which is in another database;
• in origin table to store int only;
• do not join table from another database to get text but cache dictionary on client and resolve text from that dictionary