MySQL databases names: one single or unique?

I am migrating my digiKam collection database from SQLite om my desktop to MariaDB on my NAS (openmediavault). I tested two installations approaches for naming the databases:

  1. name all 4 databases the same (e.g. digikam) or
  2. use unique names for all databases (dk_core, dk_thumbs, dk_faces, dk_similarity)

Both options can be installed.

Option 1 is advocated by the db wizard of digiKam (press defaults button) and seems to adhere to good database practices (one db for all related data items).

Option 2 is advocated by the manual and has the advantage of a smaller/faster backup of the core database only and rebuild the other 3 dbs in case of disaster.

Option 3 might be to opt for 2 databases: digikam_core and digikam_extra (for the thumbs, faces and similarity part).

My questions:

  • Is option 1 a viable option? Or will it create data corruption inside the database?
  • Anyone using option 3? Which pros & cons did you experience?
  • Which option are you using?
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