Database Re-Insert

artist has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

I have a database application using Class::DBI. I use it to insert and retrive records. Recently, each existing record may have an additional field available for inserting and retriving. How I can do this, harmlessly? I have already make a new template (using Template) for displaying the additional field.

--Artist

Comment on Database Re-Insert

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Re: Database Re-Insert by adrianh (Chancellor) on Feb 27, 2006 at 01:12 UTC
I have a database application using Class::DBI. I use it to insert and retrive records. Recently, each existing record may have an additional field available for inserting and retriving. How I can do this, harmlessly? I have already make a new template (using Template) for displaying the additional field. Erm. You add the new column to your table. If you're not using something like Class::DBI::Loader add the new column to your Class::DBI subclass. Done. What's the problem? :-)	[reply]
Re^2: Database Re-Insert by artist (Parson) on Feb 27, 2006 at 17:59 UTC
The problem is the question, before I start. Is it going to overwrite the data for existing primary keys? I want the overwrite, instead of rejection or duplication. I like to update existing records with the new data. --Artist	[reply] [d/l]
Re^3: Database Re-Insert by adrianh (Chancellor) on Feb 28, 2006 at 17:23 UTC
The problem is the question, before I start. Is it going to overwrite the data for existing primary keys? I want the overwrite, instead of rejection or duplication. I like to update existing records with the new data. Almost all databases provide some mechanism for updating tables without clearing them. Take a look at your local database's documentation. For MySQL and PostgreSQL take a look at `ALTER TABLE`. (and of course be sure to take backups before hand.)	[reply] [d/l]
Re: Database Re-Insert by randyk (Parson) on Feb 27, 2006 at 15:42 UTC
If this is a question on how to add a new column to an existing table, you can use ALTER TABLE. Backing things up would be a good idea in case something goes wrong.	[reply]