Saving data

[Intelext]

Where do you think is better to save local data and where do you save it, what pros/cons?

 

[Masius]

Well, obviously Text/Ini's aren't that usefull. It's hard to manage data (imho) that is saved on Text/Ini's files. From those, I've heard XML was/is the best option, don't ask me why, but do a little research.

 

[IQstim]

Keep the file hidden, at least. The user's are not as clever as you would think - just tip them off with the simple trick and keep the file in the same folder.

 

[XZeenon]

you can create the file in documents and settings cand call it something like... WINDOWSFILE.req

 

[FragFrog]

Depends entirely on the kind of data you want to save.

Configuration settings / WORM data: .ini
Small amount of user data: XML / registry
Large amount of user-generated WMRM data: Binary file / embedded database engine.

And of course if at all possible, have a central server, use SOAP / XML-RPC and store the data online for SOA - kind of like how with Steam you don't have to manually enter all your registration codes everytime you move to a different computer but it's all stored in an online database, or how Live messenger has all your contacts already if you sign in on a public pc somewhere.

 

[Team Lion]

I am still old fashioned and use INI's for storing simple configurations, seeing as I built an INIReader class for Java that I always use, and then for larger amounts I usually use a database or binary compression scheme of some kind.

 

[Jordan]

I use XML these days up until recently i was using my own text processing system

 

[Daevius]

Oops clicked binary, but since users may freely adjust the local settings for my apps, it's usually text / INI.

Registry, I think it's a stupid system, and makes the app windows only.
Binary, for anything users shouldn't touch, or for very compressed files.
Text / INI, anything users are able to change without any damage caused. Also good when you're too lazy to make an interface for settings .
XML, don't see much benefit except that you don't have to write a parser (but parsers are so easy to write anyways!). XML is very big and clumsy, and only be used when you have nested settings. For anything else it's extra non-sense that's distracting you.

 

[s-p-n]

you can create the file in documents and settings cand call it something like... WINDOWSFILE.req

AHhhhh No! No! and double No!

That's just confusing and stupid.. annoying for me, the end user. Part of the reason I'm gonna chuck my hard-drive out the window!

Making the files hidden is cool, but I always tick "Display Hidden Files" That's just me though.. I do this so I can go around deleting all of them.

I think all of your files for your program should be in the same folder. So not the registry.

I'm still finding random files mess up for weird reasons.. Probably because they make stupid names for stupid hidden files in stupid places (like Program "X" files in "My Documents".. outside of Folder "X"!!!!) which causes them to be removed by me; the ignorant, frustrated end-user...