Avoid storing files in the Database: Here is what you should do.

If you're storing entire .jpg, .png, or .pdf files directly in your database...

You might want to pause. 🛑

Storing full files as BLOBs or Base64 in your DB can:

→ Slow down performance

→ Inflate database backups

→ Make scaling a nightmare

What’s a better way?

Store only file metadata in your database like:

→ filename,

→ mimetype

→ size

→ key (if exists)

→ and most importantly, the file URL/path (For Quick Lookups)

Then store the actual files in:

→ Object storage (S3, Firebase Storage, Digital Ocean Droplet etc.)

→ Your own secure file server

This pattern:

→ Improves security

→ Speeds up performance

→ Makes file management modular and scalable

Bonus: Always store the MIME type (image/jpeg, image/png, application/pdf, etc) in the database instead of plain extensions like PDF, PNG.