SO uses single or multiple databases? [closed]

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I want to build a web application like StackOverflow, and I don't know SO use single or multiple databases.

SO has 2 main applications: Asking application and Chat application

Chat application uses SO account to login and display user's information in the chat room.

So I have some solutions:

1. Use 3 databases: one for common information, one for asking system and one for chatting system.
2. Use 2 databases: one for asking system (including common information) and one for chatting system.
3. Use only one database for both system.

Any body can help me? Thanks!

Answer 1

You have to ask yourself why you would need to use multiple databases. Why would you need to seperate data?

You seperate out databases when there is a business need: example - they cant be combined because they are both extremely large and they are completely different applications. By separating them out IMHO you are simply making more work for yourself.