a clean database

[denarced]

So I have this database,
done by someone else
( who I don't know)
and it's a complete mess.

My goal: clean it up
=> check if there are unused tables
=> remove those tables

What's the best way to approach this ?
Is there a freeware software to do just this ?
(I'm thinking I'm not the first one to think of this)

Since all the database changes are done using one specific php-script,
I thought that a sufficient time spent monitoring which sections of db
are called, would solve this problem, I'm just thinking maybe there's
a more concrete way of doing this.

All help/tips are welcome

[BlaineSch]

Even if its not called often it could still be in use just not as likely to be called I suppose.

Making a program to do this would probably not be possible since its an oponion if its "not in use" because in a sense they are all in use. And ones not used enough could still be part of the program and when you delete part of the program you could really mess some stuff up!

Post up some source and the table structure and we can try and help you out. If your trying to avoid showing your source I can sign a non disclosure agreement and do this for you $$

[Jordan]

What type of database is it? You can review the transaction log and determine what is being used and what is not over a period of time.

[WingedPanther]

I work with an application where many of our users will never use many of the tables in the database. If they start using a feature, however, they will need those tables. Deleting tables can break things quickly.

[Orjan]

I agree with WingedPanther. Tables are usually there of a reason, especially in a production environment. Sure, upgrades could have done tables deprecated, but then it's not a good update system if it does not remove it as well.