[RESOLVED] [2005] SQL or something else?

[Maglor]

What would the best way be to make items for a game and then to easilly load them into the game (using a server or without). Should I use a SQL database, or would an INI file with all the items in it be enough? I think I should use an SQL database, but I think it's too difficult...

[timeshifter]

SQL is surprisingly easy to play with, albeit a bit slower than loading from a text file. SQL is designed for massive use, so SQL would probably be more suited towards holding stats for an MMO or something of that nature. If it's just starting settings, than an INI file is a good choice.

[Maglor]

Well, I'm now trying to make an MMORPG. I know there won't be a lot of people playing, but do you think I should just wait till lost of people join, or better be well prepared. I think an SQL table is easier to organize than an INI file

[timeshifter]

In that event, I'd agree. Just don't forget to include a splash screen as the program gets the information from SQL.

[Maglor]

Ok, thans, now I only need a good tutorial to learn how those SQL databases work. Google here I come

[kleinma]

While I am sure you COULD use a SQL database, that is likely HUGE overkill unless you are making a game that would have a valid use for a database like that.

If you think INI files are enough, then I am certain a SQL database (or likely any database) is overkill. INI files aren't really that intuitive though. You could likely use XML files, which are just text files that are formatted a certain way so they can be read easily use VB.NET (or any other language with an XML parser)

[bgmacaw]

I would suggest you investigate serialization (binary or XML) to see if it will work in your case. With serialization you can save and reload your classes to/from disk and you can pass them through a web service as well. I wrote an article on the topic that you might find helpful, Code Example: Using Binary Serialization, if you want to look into it further.

[kleinma]

I never like to discourage people from trying to build new applications and tackle programming, but you need to learn to walk before you can crawl...

I see so many people who want to learn how to program, and the first application they want to write is some massive game that would normally take the likes of a decent sized development team to produce.

Before you go trying to make a massive online multiplayer game, how much programming experience do you have? there are SOOO many issues you have to consider and deal with when making something like this, yet you know nothing of working with databases. It just seems backwards to me.

You might be better off starting with something a little simpler (even if its still a game of some sort). That way you will actually be able to finish it in a reasonable amount of time, and learn many things along the way. Then tackle a project that will require all that is involved in online game making..

[Maglor]

It's not that I'm new to programming or something... I've been like prrogramming VB for about 1 year or so. I'm currently working on that MMORPG and it's working good. I know loads of people want to make one and they are overencouraged, but I'm not one of those. I really made other programs, better than just text editors, so I know what I'm doing... I just never wanted to use SQL because I wanted to be good at VB.Net first.

[timeshifter]

I've been programming VB for four years now.. .and I still wouldn't even think about writing something like that. Keep in mind, I do a heck of a lot of database work, and I wrote a gravity simulator in VB. I know how to write some pretty good code... gonna try and write an image encryption program pretty soon. It really depends on the scale you're after. Writing a MUDD-style game wouldn't be overly difficult, just a whole lot of command parsing.. but anything graphical is going to take some serious experience to efficiently pull off.

[nmadd]

... I just never wanted to use SQL because I wanted to be good at VB.Net first.

Then you can tack on another thing you know about VB.NET and learn how to work with XML as kleinma suggested.

There are some good articles here:
http://www.vbdotnetheaven.com/Articl...bSectionID=124

Good luck.

[Maglor]

But can I make a server that sends XML files? Arent SQL databases easier?

@timeshifter: I'm not making it 3D, that would be an insane job. I'm making it 2D, a bit "RPG Maker XP" style. And as far as I have the game in thoughts, I should only take about 3months to finish it.

[kleinma]

you don't need to send any files, XML files just contain text... you can send the XML text between the server and client, and it can be parsed on both ends and then you will have the data you need that was sent back and forth.

You could even make a webservice for client/server interaction. WebServices use XML to send data, and much of the underlying piping to do it all is already wrapped up in the framework making it very easy to use.

[Maglor]

and is XML easy to organize?

[Maglor]

Well, I think I'll go for XML than, thanks you for your comments... I'll mark this hread as resolved