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databasegoogle-fusion-tables

Is fusion table suitable as website database?


I am a huge fan of Google fusion tables. I want to know that is it possible to use fusion table as database to create dynamic webpages? If so can anyone give sample links.


Solution

  • I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this is a very bad idea. Let's see what are the pros and cons of using FT as db layer of a website:

    Pros:

    • You can use basic geographic functions in your DB. I have to say most common databases have spatial extensions either built-in or provided as a plugin
    • You can easily integrate a Google Map in your webpage displaying geo data from FT.
    • No setup costs

    Cons:

    • Awful response times as Jack highlighted in his answer
    • You are limited to a 0.5 request/sec on average. This is true for INSERT/UPDATE statements. Without throttling you will get lots of 500 errors back.
    • Limited predicates in the WHERE clause. The case of the missing 'OR' !!
    • Lack of the ability to create complex WHERE clauses.
    • FT uses a NoSQL approach. Forget your typed columns.
    • No relations or foreign key constraints. However you can join tables on attribute values.
    • Using triggers/stored procedures or any common DB concept except views is not possible.
    • Aggregate functions have really bad performace.
    • So far no ORM supports FT that i know of. Some people think ORM's are useless but anyway this is something to consider.

    And this is far from a complete list. In a nutshell: FT is not designed for what you're trying to use it. Period.