Beginner Question

[Scott Schluer]

Hello,

I'm fairly experience with VB.NET in so far as it's syntax is concerned,
however I'm coming from a web-based environment. Typically, when I want to
store data (i.e. user preferences, options, etc), I'll use SQL Server or
Access or something. I'm just making my way into Windows development and I'm
trying to recreate an e-mail checker program that I use regularly. I want to
create the same functionality but add a few features. Now, I've already got
the program coded and working BUT everything (mail server settings, length
of time between mail checks, etc) is hard-coded.

My next step is to build an Options form where each user can configure mail
server settings, preferences, etc. My question is: how do I save this
information? Like I said, in a web environment, I use a database. What's the
appropriate data storage technology for a Windows application? .INI files?
XML? Where can I find internet resources on this? I guess a simplified
version of the question would be: In VB.NET, how do I save a users options
and preference settings?

Please forgive the "newbieness" of this question.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[NetPointer]

You have few options here..
either u can use config file to store user options..(although big shots says
that it is not allowed to edited by program, i used to do that using xml
classes.)

second option is create seperate xml configuration file with your app.

u can also use registry for this purpose...although it is better we keep
away from that thing.

Regards,
Netpointer.

 

[Scott Schluer]

Ok, from what I've heard as well XML files are not allowed to be edited by
the program as well. I obviousy need to be able to modify options and
settings at runtime...Do most programs just use the registry? If so, are
there .NET classes for dealing with registry entries and/or resources on the
internet that you would recommend?

 

[Cor]

Hi Scott

..

From what I've heard as well XML files are not allowed to be edited by
the program as well. I obviousy need to be able to modify options and
settings at runtime...Do most programs just use the registry? If so, are
there .NET classes for dealing with registry entries and/or resources on the
internet that you would recommend?

XML do with it what you want.

The registry is very easy to use in VB.net cost mostly not more than 4 lines
of code if you use it in the most simple way. (see just the documentation
about registry in VB.net).

Recourses on the internet, the possibilities seems endless.

I hope this give you some opinions.

Cor

 

[EricJ]

and you can always use your trusted databases ;p most of the time i program
sql server apps and put a settings table in the db.
but that would be overkill if your program dousn't need a db.

 

[Scott Schluer]

Well yeah but that wouldn't work very well in a distributed environment. ;-)

 

[EricJ]

it dous if you use users that have to log in you can then link the settings
w the users and it dousn't matter w pc they use in a company on 1 sqlServer
they will always get their settings
but a small non db app for home users is something different off cource ;p

 

[Scott Schluer]

Well thats what I'm getting at, this is intended to be a small distributed
application so a DB won't work. There's GOT to be some kind of standard data
storage format for Windows applications, lol. Is the registry my best bet?

Scott

 

[EricJ]

if you don't want the users to meddle w it themselves i would go for the
registry if it dousnt matter that mutch you could use a flat file or an xml
doc. it's difficult to say wat is the best or wat is standard as they all
have there advantages, i think xml would be the most flexible, reg the most
secure.