Databases! What do i need to know?

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Hi There
I have started this discussion in this forum as a prelim, just so i can learn more about Concrete 5 and more specifically the database. I am a coder but have no experience of databases.
Ive been using concrete5 for a while now, making code changes to layout and presentation.
Now i want to create a new template, which i have no issue with coding and implementing via the dash, but I'm wondering if there is anything i would need to do with the database before i begin..? And in fact, could someone point out in what circumstances i would even need to consider the database..? Thank you very much in advance..

 
PMorrison replied on at Permalink Reply
Just to add to this, i am well aware that there are two databases underlying this.
One is for content. Could someone explain what exactly the other one is used for?
I guess it is this particular one which I am enquiring about..
Can i go ahead and create new templates (and perhaps even change existing behaviours and functionalities) without worrying about what this particular database is doing or is used for?
PMorrison replied on at Permalink Reply
Ok so i think i have a database which holds customer data (form capture). And the other one then i assume holds web content.

Does this mean then, that if i wanted to redesign the website, or a develop a new theme (and new templates) that the databases are not something i need to consider?

Thanks in advance..
Gondwana replied on at Permalink Reply
Gondwana
You should ignore the database at this stage. I've only had to consider it when I needed to store user input for custom blocks—and even then, it's best to use the API rather than hacking at the database directly.
PMorrison replied on at Permalink Reply
That is good to know. Thank you for responding.