add new channel fields for existing site

Question

I´ve a site with a channel, this channel has a channel field group with 2 fields. So far, so standard. My problem: I know exactly, that after some time when the site evolves I´ll ned more channel fields. But I don´t know exactly what kind of fields I will need to add. I can be a text field or a textarea or even a file upload field or a matrix. As a startup there will be some pivoting.

My question: If I add a new field, will it be available for all entries in this channel (new and existing) and can users update their entry accordingly. I would send my members a mail saying "we now offer the feature X, go ahead and update your entry".

Will adding channel fields to a channel that has already entries corrupt the database?

Answer 1

If I add a new field, will it be available for all entries in this channel (new and existing) and can users update their entry accordingly

Yes, any new custom fields added to that channel will show up for new & existing entries. Your members will be able to update fine.

If you change a existing field to a new fieldtype (ie. text input ==> Matrix), existing entries will "lose" that data from the text input.