programming-for-dummies

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Using Database Files
Database controls take care of the details of how to connect to a database so
you can just focus on using a database file.
When a program connects to a database file, that program often acts as a
front-end to that database. A front-end basically wraps a friendly user interface
around the database file. So rather than force users to figure out arcane
commands to retrieve, print, edit, search, or sort through a database file, a
front-end provides a simplified interface for manipulating data, as shown in
Figure 8-10.
Figure 8-10:
Programs
often act as
a frontend
to a
database
file.
User
Commands
Information
Front-end
Commands
Data
Database
Database files are best for storing large amounts of information that you can
share with other people and programs. If sharing data with other programs
isn’t important, use a random-access or untyped file. The drawback is that
both of these files force you to write additional commands to store and
retrieve data. For storing small amounts of data, use a text file.
Storing information in a file is a crucial part of most programs, so determine
what type of data you need to save and then choose the file format that
makes the most sense for your program.