Need an Opinion

[needaname16]

Hi,

I want to store some settings information on a file that has to be accessed by another program while performing an operation. In for the program that is using the data to work well I need to get the data in the quickest most efficient manner I can. I am not worried about protection or encryption of the data.

So here is the question, what in peoples opinion is the best form to do this persistant storage in that is accessable by two different applications:

- Random Access Files
- Databases (can't use commercial package, I would be restricted to an access database)
- Any other good suggestions.

In Anticipation of replies, thanks for the input :)

Needaname16

[needaname16]

Sorry about posting this thread twice, when I pressed the post button it looked as if my IE did not register it so I tried again ... with now obvious results ... Once again sorry about that! :eek:

[Jop]

I think it depends in what format the data is.
for some things DBs are better while for others the Random data access will do fine.. ;)

[needaname16]

Thanks for the reply, I urgently need some more advice so here is a better explanation:

I have a two application development where I need advice on the best way to store persistent data:

One application writes and reads the persistent data, it's speed is not important.

The other application reads the persistant data, it is part of a process (COM Object) and therefore speed is important.

The persistent data needs to be a three tier structure (tree type topology) where each node has properties and an associated Sub node ie
Main Element (with properties strings etc)
|_ Sub Heading (with properties strings etc)
| |_ Child Element (with properties strings, numbers etc)
| |_ Child Element (with properties strings, numbers etc)
(Continues)

As I see it I have three options, however I am not sure on some issues with each one:

- Serialization : Does this have a speed issue? Can data be read by both applications?

- Database : Each Element has a variable number of sub Elements, Is this done with linked tables, How? Can only use Access, is there a speed issue?

- My own Random Access File: Aaagh, very long development time, how do I prevent a Buggy development?

Any further advice on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Needaname16.