Re: Schema's vs Single Database with prefix on tables

Joao,

I strongly agree with Tim’s recommendation to create a schema for each “domain.” In addition to the reasons below, the prefix model would seem to condemn your programs and programmers to using dynamic SQL to construct your business logic in a manner that would work for any domain, as the table names for each SQL statement would vary based on the domain.

Schemas are a solid approach to multi-domain design, they should work well for you.

Cheers,

- Evan

Evan Bauer
eb(at)evanbauer(dot)com
+1 646 641 2973
Skype: evanbauer

> On Sep 9, 2018, at 18:02, Tim Cross <theophilusx(at)gmail(dot)com> wrote:
>
>
> Joao Ribeiro <joao(dot)ribeiro(at)foursource(dot)pt <mailto:joao(dot)ribeiro(at)foursource(dot)pt>> writes:
>
>> Hello,
>>
>> We are using Postgres and we are with a issue. We have splited our tables by domain and
>> each domain has a separated database, but we are trying to change it to a single database
>> model. We have two options, create the same database in a single schema and add a prefix
>> on each database domain or create a schema for each database (we have about 15
>> different models). In this approach we still want to do some joins and other queries cross
>> schema, but we don’t know what would be the best approach :) Could you help us to know
>> what would be the best approach ?
>>
>> * having just one database with one schema and all domain databases with a prefix
>> * having a schema for each domain (15 domains) with the domain databases (+/ 20 tables)
>> (knowing that we do cross schema queries)
>>
>> _____
>
> It is probably just a matter of taste to some extent. I personally would
> favour separate schemas over tables in same schema with prefixes because
> I think that gives you more flexibility i.e. easier to select all the
> data associated with a domain as it is all in one schema. I also think
> it is easier to define security roles on a per schema basis rather than
> complex roles in the same schema, especially if you add new objects
> etc. Auditing is also less complex.
>
> There are no issues with cross-schema queries/joins etc apart from
> having to include the schema name in the query. Some people don't like
> this because you have to type more and have a longer search_path, but if
> the alternative is table prefixes, the amount of typing is similar
> anyway.
>
> Essentially, the schema gives you a predefined unit which many
> tools/commands understand. If everything is in the same schema, then you
> will often need to replicate some level of this functionality yourself
> and then ensure it is maintained. Extent to which this has an impact
> really depends on your use case.
>
> Tim
>
> --
> Tim Cross