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delete columns we are not using?

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delete columns we are not using?
Is there any trouble that I would be causing if I deleted 3 columns we are definitely not going to be using.

1) url
2) contact name
3) contact email

I just don't want to do something short sighted, but I see no use for these columns (for our content management purposes -- only internal folks will be able to update the system, and we are not using it for a links directory.)

Are there any problems with deleting these columns?


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Re: delete columns we are not using? In reply to
Hmm I think you would be safe to delete them but if you are not using them you may as well just leave them there anyway as they aren't doing any harm - then you can use them at a later date if you change your mind.


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Re: delete columns we are not using? In reply to
Thanks Paul, I apreciate your help over the last few days. The problem is, that they show up in the admin when you are adding a story, and I want to simplify for my editors, as they will have access to this area sometimes. Is there a way to make them not show up when you add a link (or story) through the admin?


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Re: delete columns we are not using? In reply to
Oh ok, I see.

You should be ok to delete them then. I can't think of a reason why not.

What you would need to do first though would be to backup the structure incase you need to re-create the columns. You can do that with MySQLMan by using the dump option but de-selecting "Write Insert statements"

Then delete the columns. You can do that from the Links SQL admin. Database > Links/Properties. Just remove the columns you don't want and re-sync/repair.

Please don't sue me if that doesn't work :)


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Re: delete columns we are not using? In reply to
I found another solution. I just typed in (ignore field) under Form Display in the Database --> Links --> Properties --> column name.

This way, when it does show up, my editors will know to just leave it alone. :) Thanks again Paul. :)


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Re: delete columns we are not using? In reply to
....glad you figured it out.


Last edited by:

PaulWilson: Sep 10, 2001, 11:36 AM
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Re: delete columns we are not using? In reply to
Weird:

the three columns that I added (ignore field) to, now have odd characters listed under form regex. They are all similar, but not exactly the same. I don't believe this was present before I made this change. here is what one of them says:

-----------------------------16197s: T9312Content-Disposition: form-data; name=

hmmm. I thought maybe it didn't like the parenthesis in the field, so I took it out. didn't change the regex. :(

Is this a problem?


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Re: delete columns we are not using? In reply to
Hi,

No, don't delete them. Things like Verify URL's will generate fatal errors then.

As for the form input, that's very odd. It looks like a MIME message, or a file upload possibly? Are you using file uploads?

Cheers,

Alex

--
Gossamer Threads Inc.
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Re: delete columns we are not using? In reply to
Yes, I am using file uploads. But not in the effected columns.


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Re: delete columns we are not using? In reply to
Speaking of file uploads:

I had started a column called "Image" and then tried deleteing it. Then, I tried making a new column called "Image", but it said there was already a column called "Image". When I use the "Delete Column" link, the column of Image does not exist.

I just created a column called Image2 to "solve" my problem....but could this be another symptom of the same issue? Is there anything I should do?


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Re: delete columns we are not using? In reply to
I think you can also just change the colum type to 'hidden' in the admin area also? This way it'll still be there, but just not visible?

Cheers,
Regan.