Access Databases

[Xlithan]

I've been thinking about replacing the ini files with a real database like MS Access. But before I spend hours trying to program this in, is it a good idea or not?

thanks

[grimsk8ter11]

its ok, not much faster, better going with MySQL.

I believe i have the code for access somewhere though, ill look for you

[William]

It depends on many things. If you have a lot php/MySQL experience. You could setup some fancy online lists, register online etc..

I dont have much experience in this area but I still dont think the speed is worth it if thats what your looking for.

[Spodi]

Well, I'm pretty sure the "INI file format" used by MS (Get/WritePrivateProfileString) is around 100x slower then if you were to use MySQL. Doesn't mean you should replace it with everything, though. If it loads just at runtime, the speed doesn't really matter (ie settings), but if it is loading real-time, then speed couldn't be any more important.

MySQL isn't really good for its speed, though. Its fast, yes, but nothing compared to what you can get out of binary file systems. If you set up your binary files properly and with a good format, you can get at least 4x the speed of what you can out of MySQL. But MySQL is a hell of a lot easier to use - you don't have to convert the whole file system if you want to add/remove/change a value, like you do with binary. I like to use a combination of them both - load the values out of MySQL, then the values that are static (won't be changing while the game is running, like objects, and not like users) just save as binary so you can load it as binary from there on.

[Xlithan]

I have no experience with MySQL. I'm not looking for an increase in speed, but more for file organising. I think it would be easier to have one single database with multiple tables for NPCs, Items etc. Editing the files would also be easier since Access is a more efficient way of editing databases.

I just don't have experience of adding Access stuff to Visual Basic. Would be awesome if you could help me out Grim.

[Robin]

Home made "database" editing software for binary > Access. In every, single, possible way.

[Xlithan]

I don't want to write software for home-made databases

I want an MS Access database, why doesn't anybody understand that? lol.

[Robin]

Because it's stupid adding it in.

[Ambientiger]

If you really are serious about adding a database to your game you'll need to wade through ALOT of text.

This is one of the best books I've found on the net about it, Chapter 5 should have everything you need to get started.

Database Manual

[Xlithan]

Fine. Link me to a binary tutorial :x

[Xlithan]

I'll have a look, thanks. I've already posted in your image system thread, hopefully you can help me on that