What is better? Storing data in a .txt file or Storing data in a database?

I'm trying to decide how and where to store my data. I know you can store and modify data in a .txt file and upload the file to a server. I also know you can store data in a database. Which is better and what are the differences between storing data in a .txt file v.s. storing data in a database?

Thanks for the advice!

~imzoeb

 

I'd personally say that working with data in a database is much easier than working with data in a text file, I've used both methods before and databases provide much more functionality and also lessens the chance of messing up data (as opposed to text in a text file)...not to mention how big this text file would be (could cause some I/O issues on the server)

 

Okay. I'll use the database to store most of my data. Thanks.

 

A database is, hands down, the best way to manipulate, store and retrieve data.

 

You could split the difference and use something like sqlite. I like having a database server, but sometimes that is not always the best solution. Every case, and every project is different.

 

In most cases databases are better, but are not always better. Sqlite is a great file system database that is very easily transportable. It's hard for me to find an example except for very small, static data sets where a single flat file would be a better solution to sqlite or a small database. If you need to store files or images in a database, it's usually best to use a hybrid, database / file storage system to keep everything running reasonably quick. Storing files in a database works, but most people quickly find out that there are some major downsides in performance and overhead once you start doing it.

 

As my 6 years experience of working with data i prefer to use of database instead of txt file..

 

Database is the best since it allows easy updation, editing etc.....

 

well, data base stores information more efficiently, securely and easily manageable, so database is good option, and have easy to re-use.

 

That is but obvious thing that you should storing data in database because it is easy & more secure...

 

Depends on how much data you need to work with. I have worked on projects where the client only needed to change a few strings of text here and there so i chose xml, which gave the client what he needed, didnt impact performance and was very cheap. However, if you need your site to be dynamic then you definetly should go with databases. It gives you much more flexibility.... and its not as hard as it might seem.

Good luck mate

 

Database are of course better then .txt files. There are various reasons for it. In databases you can optimize them and make them smaller as you want, but in .txt it is not at all possible. And also in .txt your data can get corrupted but in database there is less chance of it.

 

Depends on how much data you need to work with. If worked on a project choose XML and for a project on site defiantly for a database.Database provides you more flexibility than text file. Databases provide much more functionality but always its not the best solution. Every case, every project is different. Working with database is much more easier than .txt file

 

surely i will suggest database

 

SO how much data ARE you working with ?

 

A database is more secure.

 

storing data in database is better than storing data in .txt file in many ways.
maintaining data in database is easy,clear,safe & extract.

 

Obviously databse is a better option because it provides easy access of data, easy manipulation and maitenance. But if you don't have much data then you can store it in .txt file to avoid overhead of database installation and configuration.

Cospro

 

Of course, Database and not .txt

Reason? >Safe..

 

Database or txt or XML file?, what do you think is better for the search engines?