by 4 bytes number (as 1 field) , you can keep 32 bits (criteria). this shows
how much you can save the space. but if the database is not huge, it's
better to select simpler solution (one field for one criteria). this is an
example in MySQL manual to show how to work with bits:
The following shows
Hi,
I would create one field (char(200) or char(255)) for all criteria.
After that I will store:
in the first byte of that string Y if hotel has swimming pool, N - doesn't
have, Q - no idea
in the second byte of that string Y if hotel has TV, N - doesn't have, Q -
no idea
in the third byte of
Lee.
Maybe others would disagree but they way I would handle this would be to
forget about storing the data in separate fields (or binary fields) and use
three tables.
Table1 - Facilities
A complete list of all criteria you want to record about the hotels
Table2 - Hotels
Table containing the
Lee,
I get the feeling there is a more efficient method using
binary operations
(only one field populated with zeros and ones) but I can't
find anything to
help in the manuals.
i think you should try to avoid such thing as much as you can.
Storing more than one piece of data in a column