[TEC'HNOLOXHÀ] On the Solution for the New National Database

[Mic’haglh Autófil, SMC EiP]

As described in the outlined plan for the replacement of our National Database, the Ministry of Technology is bringing forth options for the platform on which the new Database will be hosted. All are welcome to comment on either of the proposed alternatives, or make proposals of their own.

• Option 1: Status Quo: For the purposes of comparison, the current Database is offered as a "solution".
  
  • Pros: Self-hosted, custom-tailored, already exists.
  • Cons: Poor user-friendliness, requires help from MPF for some tasks (expertise bottleneck).
• Option 2: Django: Django is a Python framework that allows us to generate the database and server using models that we can create to represent whatever objects are necessary (citizens, bills, etc.).
  
  • Pros: Self-hosted, also very customizable, familiarity (Sir Luc has worked with Django before), allows us to write templates for user interface (improved usability).
  • Cons: Uncertain on how easy to port over current DB information, still requires some expertise.
• Option 3: Google Sheets: While not a database tool in the usual sense, Google's spreadsheet editor can be used for more sophisticated data storage than most might think.
  
  • Pros: Free to use, server crashes unlikely, familiarity (I use Sheets for all sorts of personal projects), less specialized knowledge required for most aspects (easier for future generations of Talossans).
  • Cons: Not self-hosted, not a true database tool, may get into "spaghetti code" (spaghetti formulas) very quickly (that's a lot of VLOOKUPS).

[Sir Lüc]

The Chancery is already planning to go forwards with Option 2, to be developed entirely in house, with thanks to Backend PermSec Dan T for already setting up the required reverse proxy entries so that you'll eventually be able to access the new DB at database.talossa.com.

Neither of the two other options is in any way acceptable to me as the one who's gonna be in charge of actually using the damn thing, and the midterm referendum was a successful test run for running a national poll using a website built with Django.

[Baron Alexandreu Davinescu]

It seems like the decision has already been made! I'm glad we're moving forward.

Does anyone else know how to program in Django?

[GV]

My concern is bringing together a final, absolute version of the MPF Database we can preserve for generations.

GV, Royal Archivist

[Mic’haglh Autófil, SMC EiP]

My concern is bringing together a final, absolute version of the MPF Database we can preserve for generations.

GV, Royal Archivist

It is the intent of the Ministry to archive the information held in the current Database within the new one.