I'm using LAMP and have full access to server configuration and setup.
I am very confused about which is the best method to simply log some data to.
I want to log things like this:
- Analytics (server side with PHP) of every visitor.
- When creating a new user, store id number so an email and SMS message can be sent later in a Cron Task (saves from sending the email/SMS during the users' request).
- Number of page views of certain 'articles'. Increment once per visit to that page.
As you can see they are all simple insert/add actions that all can be processed later by a Cron Task.
The application needs to be scalable for the future.
These are my options (and what I have learned):
(1) Database (MySQL). People say don't use this for logging data like above.
(2) Use file_get_contents() WITHOUT a file lock. I'm told this can cause data corruption.
(3) Use file_get_contents() WITH a file lock but I believe this either results in missed data as file_get_contents returns false and doesn't add the data if the lock is in force -OR- it results in PHP having to wait for the lock to release. I don't think MySQL has to wait to do multiple inserts.
Which is the best option? Does it make a difference if I'm handling tens of requests per seconds compared to thousands of requests per second, or would I use the same option?
