Simple Data base question from non-programmer....

[rdy4trvl]

Active.com is a web site handling race registration (for running, cycling, triathlons, etc). In July they are handling registrations for over 20,000 events - probably with 20-1000+ participants per event. Behind the scenes of this web site is a big-time database. Two basic questions or interests:

What type of data base & programs/programming skills are behind this web page?
If I were to hire a programmer to create a data base driven web page - not nearly as large (say 200 events per month) - what type of programmer/programmer skills should I look for?


Thanks

[vinyl-junkie]

Looks like it's written in ColdFusion. I can tell that by the file extension on the "Post an Activity" link in the upper right corner of the screen (.cfm file extension).

As for creating a database driven page or site, the size of the database isn't what matters. It's the business rules and amount of coding required that make the difference.

The database and programming skills required would depend on what kind of functionality you want from your application, as some are better suited than others to meet your needs. Also, if the application is to be hosted on a shared hosting plan, for example, you decision might also be based on the database types and programming languages your web host has available.

Hope this helps.

[rdy4trvl]

Vinyl-junkie - thanks for the answer....and comment on the other factors to consider. This is helpful!