Algorithm to compare files and sub directories in main directory to the database

Question

I need to update the file paths in a directory recursively in the database. Like if I made any changes in the directory, then that has to be updated in the database. What is the best and fastest way to do this using PHP and MySQL.

Answer 1

In your MySQL database you must have these tables:

Directory{
    directory_id: integer;
    directory_name: varchar;
    directory_path: varchar;
    parent_id: fk_to_directoy_id;
}

File{
    file_id: integer;
    file_name: varchar;
    directory_id: fk_to_directory_id;
}

so you can build the hierarchical directory structure and then attach files to its directory.

Then you just need a backend in php to manage these tables. (Look to a framework to make it easy Symfony )

Hope it helped you. Good luck.