By HXn on

I am a seasoned web developer, but fairly new to Drupal. Here is a specific example of what I need to do and I would appreciate any insight as to methods of implementation. I've read through this thread: http://drupal.org/node/114920 but it didn't give me a good direction.

For example, I need to develop a form that stores entries in a database. The app will have a backend for people to view/edit the entries. However, I would like to add advanced things like: an Ajax search for one of the fields connected to an outside database, pulling data from said outside database to fill select boxes for the form, etc.

My question is, both specifically to this example and in general, which is the best method for implementation -- a custom module or CCK? Pros and cons of each? Does it depend on how "involved" the app is? If possible, point to resources/blogs/websites if you have any.

Thanks!

⋅ Categories: Drupal 5.x

Comments

wim leers’s picture

wim leers
Location Ghent 🇧🇪🇪🇺
commented

What kind of "entries" would that be? Do they have to be in a specific format?

nancydru’s picture

nancydru
she/her/hers
Primary language English
Location Boston
commented

Here are some basic rules of thumb to answer your question (btw, I am assuming you will also have to use Views with this).

1) A fairly well designed and written application is going to outperform any development utility.
2) A decent development utility program will allow you to create an application faster.

Which is more important to you? How good a programmer are you?

I spent much of my career in mainframe environments. I never saw a mainframe shop that didn't have a report writer feature. On the other hand, most of those same shops mandated that the report writer was for "proof of concept" and was not allowed into production for performance reasons.

Nancy W.
Drupal Cookbook (for New Drupallers)
Adding Hidden Design or How To notes in your database

NancyDru