Storing data, but not in access DB

[philprice]

Hi there,

 

I've allways stored data in Access DBs for my applications, because its easy and fast, but I dont think its the PROPER way to do it. What other options are there out there supported by .NET that will work "across the board". I'm thinking XML but how would you read write to it etc?

 

The application im looking to write is to create simple group of MP3s on my harddrive and being able to copy them to my MP3 device, so obviously I want to retain my groups of mp3s after I've made them..

[Nerseus]

XML is an option. If you plan on storing the data in a DataSet, use the DataSet's WriteXml and ReadXml methods - easy as pie. You can even start with your Access database, save the data once to XML and never use Access again.

 

-Nerseus

[philprice]

Groovy. I'll give it a go.

 

What about Serialzation of classes into XML using the XML serialzer, I would prefer if I had EVERYTHING i wanted as one class with collections of sub classes, then just import/export the XML, for example I'll need groups of "albums" or "collections of songs", but many of these groups in one place..

[Nerseus]

I'm not sure what you need exactly. If you already have everything you need saved to Access, converting to an All-XML solutions is super-simple. Make sure you write out and read the XmlSchema information (a parameter on the WriteXml and ReadXml methods).

 

As for serializing classes, I'm not sure what your goal is. Do the classes hold data not in the DataSet? How do you save the class's data now?

 

-N

[philprice]

Ive not written anything, i'm looking for the best solution. I used to use access a whole lot but it's kinda of a big reliance on a nasty mdb file.

 

For some reason i seem to be inheriently wary of datasets, i cant really remeber why, but there must be some reason....