Use session variables or store in database?

[eselk]

I'm new to ASP. If I store information in these handy "session
variables" am I going to run into many limitations that I wouldn't have
it I added a database record for each session instead? For example, if
I use session variables, can I have an admin utility that lets me see a
list and/or count of all open sessions? Or would I be able to keep the
same user from starting multiple sessions if I wanted (by comparing the
log-in name which my web-site requires)? I know if I create a record
for each open session that I can do all kinds of fun stuff like reports
and queries, but not sure if I'll have all of those options with these
built in ASP session variables (which I imagine ASP stores in memory or
some non-standard format).

p.s.-I'm using ASP (not ASP.NET) with VBScript (I hate VB syntax but
that is what everyone seems to use).

 

[Bob Barrows [MVP]]

I'm new to ASP. If I store information in these handy "session
variables" am I going to run into many limitations that I wouldn't
have it I added a database record for each session instead? For
example, if I use session variables, can I have an admin utility that
lets me see a list and/or count of all open sessions?
No

Or would I be
able to keep the same user from starting multiple sessions if I
wanted (by comparing the log-in name which my web-site requires)?
No

I
know if I create a record for each open session that I can do all
kinds of fun stuff like reports and queries, but not sure if I'll
have all of those options with these built in ASP session variables
(which I imagine ASP stores in memory or some non-standard format).

You need a database. Look at:
http://www.aspfaq.com/show.asp?id=2491
http://www.aspfaq.com/show.asp?id=2078

p.s.-I'm using ASP (not ASP.NET) with VBScript (I hate VB syntax but
that is what everyone seems to use).

Not everyone. A few people on this list use jscript exclusively. Nothing
says you have to use vbscript.

Bob Barrows

 

[eselk]

Wow, thanks for the super fast reply! I'll check out those links, and
also look over the rest of the FAQ.