What is the fastest way to check if files in a folder exist in my mysql database?

Question

I want to scan a folder of effects and check if each file is listed as a row in my MySQL database of effects, and if it isn't I will show it as an un-tracked file. Does anyone know an efficient method to achieve this with PHP? thank you very much.

Answer 1

I think there's only one way: glob the directory, prepare two statements (a check and an update) using PDO or mysqli and loop through the files.

If you need to do it on a regular basis, you should move the tracked files to a different place as soon as you track / check them.

Answer 2

The best way, that i can think of, would be to store registration_date along with the filename in the table.

• select latest updated/added file from DB, get the timestamp for that file
• create a prepared statement for adding a filename to the table
• loop through the the list of file in your directory looking for file which are newer then the timestamp
• insert each filename, which fits the conditions, and current timestamp into the table
• if there is violation of UNIQUE constraint, it means that file has been updated, not added.

IMHO, this would be the most effective way to do this.