Need advise for database structure for non linear data. - Mailing list pgsql-general

Hi,

I need advise about a database structure. I need to capture data from the web about one specific subject on few specific websites and insert that data to a database. I have done this question here before, but I think I have not explained very well.

The problem with this task is that the information is not linear, if I try to design tables with fields for all possible data I will end up with many row fields with NULL values. There are any problem with this(end up with many row fields with NULL values)? Or should I user other kind of structure? For example store the data in one field and that field containing an associative array with data.

What I mean with non linear data is the following:

    array(
          'name' => 'Don',
          'age'  => '31'
         );
   
   
    array(
          'name' => 'Peter',
          'age'  => '28',
          'car'  => 'ford',
          'km'   => '2000'
         );

In a specific website search I will store only "name" and "age", and in other website I will store "name", "age", "car" and "km".

I don't know If I explain weel my problem. My english is not very good.

Best Regards.