can database_tables.php be overridden?

[Jeff G]

I made changes to the database_tables.php file.

So far I could only get it to work by changing the original file in original location.

I first tried making a override folder "includes/mytemplate/" and puting the file there. NG.

I then tried making a my_database_tables.php with the changes and putting it in the extra_datafiles folders. It did not work. My thought was that the second defines would be read and override the first ones. I think I was wrong here too.

So, my question: Can this file be overridden? Or is there another way to do this? Or do I just change the core file?

Thanks,
Jeff

[Kim]

What sort of changes did you make?

[Jeff G]

I am using one database for several sites. Each site has its' own prefix for all tables.

I want to share the customer table (and probably some others).

Using info I found in a post, I changed

define('TABLE_CUSTOMERS',  DB_PREFIX .  'customers'); 

to

define('TABLE_CUSTOMERS', 'zen_customers'); 

This all seems to work fine, but I know it is highly recommended to not change files without using the override system.

[Ajeh]

Why not just properly setup your site for the two configure.php files in:
/includes/configure.php
/admin/includes/configure.php

to use the DB_PREFIX define that are in those files properly?

[Jeff G]

I do have it set that way. Each store has its own unique db_prefix in the config files. The 80+ tables are created for each store in a single database.

I am testing/experimenting with a mall type setup. There will be 20 or more stores each accessible from a main site. The main site has its own prefix ('zen_') and its set of tables.

Once a customer registers at any store, or the main site, I want them to be able to login to any store with the same ID.

Each store has its own unique products, shipping terms, etc. Each order placed needs to be only for items from that store and will go directly to that store.

Having read 1000s of posting, I actually have this pretty far along. I have seen lots of interest in the forums for a mall setup. If I am successful, I will share my results. Preliminary results can be seen at www.munchieu.com (follow the selections NY/Buffalo/Pizza for a demo)