MySQL question - table extend over multiple data files?

[TwoProc]

I was reading the docs for MySql 4.x and it seemed to indicate that I can't create a table that extends beyond a single data file. Is this true? Also, what is the max file size for a MySql data file that I can have on HPUX ? On Linux 32 bit? On Linux 64 bit? If a table can only reside in a single data file - what is the workaround to holding lots and lots of data over a long period of time?
TIA.

[Steven E. Protter]

I don't know of any limits for mysql filesize. Usually its the OS that will lay down limits.

Its really an OS question, assuming there are no mysql limits. I don't think you'll have os issues on hpux largefiles enabled filesystems.

You should be able to get up to 2 TB without much trouble, though you'll need an external disk array for that kind of space.

SEP

[Alex Lavrov. · Accepted solution]

http://dev.mysql.com/doc/mysql/en/table-size.html

Here you'll find al the answers.

MyISAM tables are files, each table one file, but InnoDB tables can be extended over several. Anyway, the manual explains it better than me ;)

[TwoProc]

Thanks Steven and Alex. I just went to mysqlfreaks.com and verified just what you said. If you're using ISAM database, then it is an OS limitation by how big you can make the file. If you're using the InnoDB (much like an Oracle database), then you can span tables across data files (which are more like tablespaces rather than pure table-per-data-file in the ISAM version).
Great guys, thank you both very much.

[TwoProc]

Thanks Steven and Alex