Storing folder hierarchy in relational database

Question

I have objects representing folders and I\'m wondering if they should be represented in the database.

On the one hand it seems like the easiest way would be to not r

Answer 1

First ask yourself what the purpose is of keeping the hierarchy in the database and what functionality you gain by that. Then ask consider the work and maintenance that goes into doing it.

If you're simply using it to fill a tree control, there are built-in controls that go directly against the folder system. Would that work better for you? Do you gain something beyond that by storing it in the database? How do you plan to keep the database in sync with the actual folder system, which can be changed outside of the DB? Unless your providing a virtual file system it may be better to just go directly against the real thing with relevant paths stored in the database.