Functionality of the Database/Website

Various function are a requirement in terms of making the database user friendly some of these consist of time stamps when a file is uploaded and size restrictions in order to not overload the cloud with files. The system should also limit how long piece of work are kept on the cloud (i.e. work more than a year old must be removed, to make space for more recent documents).

Date/Time Stamp
An important factor of adding to the website is the ability to date and time stamp whenever content is uploaded is will serve for several purposes:

• If a student is submitting an assignment a date and time stamp is needed in order to register if the assignment has been handed i early or late
• Students are able to keep track of uploaded work, helps to determine if it's an old or new piece of work

In order to implement this within the website I will need to incorporate a PHP Date() function:

<?php

echo date("y/m/d)

?>

A time stamp does not need to be specified if you intend to use the current time if I find that a specific time is needed I will need to use the mktime() function which will allow me to specify the date. 

Size restrictions

The cloud space will need to be limited for all user although those such as lecturers are entitled to a larger amount in order to provide files of information to all their students.

Time uploads

Once a file is uploaded to a system it is sometimes forgotten and left without being used, the problem with this is that more and more files are uploaded and it can end up slowing down a system therefore it is vital to keep this in order. A query or some form of limitation must be used that requires the user to remove old or unwanted posts that are not relevant any more.  

Sources

w3schools. n.d. SQL Date Functions. [online] Available at: http://www.w3schools.com/sql/sql_dates.asp [Accessed: 13 Nov 2013].

w3schools. n.d. PHP Date() Function. [online] Available at: http://www.w3schools.com/php/php_date.asp [Accessed: 13 Nov 2013].