How to create extension database folders and write into table

[anunalla]

Hi,

I am new to creating CiviCRM extensions and I am trying to create a form to input student data and capture that data in civicrm database table. 
So far I have created the extension folder com.student.myextension and created the form (using civix generate:form) and custom coded the individual input fields. So basically I have a form ready.

My Question is:

1)   How to create the extension’s database folders(as per http://wiki.civicrm.org/confluence/display/CRM/CiviCRM+Database+Layer+for+Extensions) ?

I found a discussion in the forum which said the generate:table is still experimental and can use civix generate:entity.
But generate:entity does not create any files when i run it. (civix is the latest version)

Forum Link -http://forum.civicrm.org/index.php/topic,29354.msg125867.html#msg125867


2)   Also how do I write into the database table after that?

I am sorry if this may seem a basic question, but I am very new to this and would really appreciate if anyone could give me some guidance. I have searched the forums, but could not find a specific answer.

Thanks in Advance!

[Coleman Watts]

Would your data work as custom fields, or do you really need to create your own sql tables for it?
Custom fields may be easier, you can create them using the api.

[anunalla]

Thank you for your reply!

Yes I need to create a separate table.

[petednz]

Since you are listed as 'drupal' is this a Drupal form - if so just checking you are aware of Webform-civicrm.

[Coleman Watts]

If you are new to CiviCRM development, creating new entity tables in an extension is really diving into the deep end.
Simpler alternatives are
1) Custom fields, which in fact are sql tables, and can be created and managed by extensions fairly easily.
2) Settings - which are stored in a big blob of CiviCRM settings (probably not what you want but thought I'd mention it).

Or if you really (really) want to proceed with full-blown entities, here's roughly what you need to do:

• Define the schema in an xml file like this
• Run a patched version of setup.sh to generate your DAOs from the xml like this
• Create one BAO file per DAO (they don't need to contain anything, but it's where you would put your business logic) [urlhttps://github.com/civicrm/org.civicrm.volunteer/tree/master/CRM/Volunteer/BAO]like this[/url]. Note that placement of all these files is important. Class-names must match up with path names, per Civi conventions.

CiviVolunteer is a fully-working example and probably a good one to follow if you have more questions I suggest you refer to that code.