Looking for the best method to store information without a database 1

[ReportMaster]

I am currently attempting to write a simple accounting program with visual studio.net. It needs to store information like 'check number', 'amount', 'expense category', and 'paid to' to an independent file. I also want to pull the information out to give a ledger style report of expenditures, and reports by category. I have to make this a stand alone program, so interaction with access or other database program is out. I am not a programmer, and have limited experience with visual studio.net, so I have a limited knowledge of the .net abilities. I am open to any kind of advice that you can give... Thanks a bunch in advance to any help!!

 

[MickTheBelgian]

You don't need access to program a database. VB is enough, and it will be by far the best method to store your data. You can't learn it in a discussion forum though, I suggest you buy a book.

 

[baddos]

Don't rule out using an Access database.... You don't need to have the MS Access program installed to use or even create one.

You could create an access database file with your program, but call it something like .bad or something instead of .mdb so people wouldn't know it's an access file.

 

[DotNetDoc]

Three letters.

XML

This is of course if you chose not to use a database.

DotNetDoc
M.C.S.D.

http://www.DotNetDoc.com

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Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.
- Anonymous Chinese Proverb
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If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
- A. Einstein

 

[RebLazer]

ReportMaster,

I don't mean to pry or be offensive, and if my question is inappropriate, please ignore it...

If you are not a programmer and have no database access, why were you given the task of writing accounting software? It would seem to me that those two items are crucial for the task... I am a programmer; writing applications with VS.NET is certainly easier - but it still requires programming knowledge (and a database sure wouldn't hurt, either). It's kind of like saying, "I'm not a chef and have no oven, but I need to prepare a gourmet meal."

My intent is truly not to offend you - but it is important for you to realize what it is you are being asked to do.

Lazer

 

[baddos]

You could do the IT version of "take out" (outsource).

 

[chiph]

How much data do you anticipate storing?

Anything over 500kb, and you'll need a database.

If you have VS.NET you can download MSDE for free -- it's the desktop version of SQL Server (much superior to MS-Access).

Another alternative (if money is a problem) would be to use MySQL -- it's commercial-use license is only $495 for the version that supports transactions, or $249 for the version that doesn't.

XML files would be a bad choice to store more than 1mb of data. You have to load the entire file into memory, and use XPath queries (slow!) to retrieve values. Inserting new values isn't so bad (just append to the end of the DOM). Updating is even easier. Note that if order is important to you (returning invoices by the date they were created) would have to be done by in-memory sorting.

Chip H.


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