Hi,

I am about to start my own database from scratch.

I am pondering over the following.

I want to have client contacts, supplier contacts, affiliate contacts, other contacts.

Do I create one big contacts table and filter them out to different layouts using a contact type field.

or

Have 4 Seperate contacts tables (one for each type).

At the moment I am leaning towards one table for ease of use but am wondering the possible advantages/disadvantages or pitfalls of both methods.

All comments and suggestions appreciated.

Edited August 31, 200619 yr by Guest

If they hold data with the same structure, then they should reside in the same table. Use a Type field to differentiate between them.

I've written about this many times in the past, if you want to dig up the reasons.