Visual Basic® .NET Database Programming

Summary

If you can use one of the simpler data storage methods described in this chapter, by all means do so. Relational databases are not the best solution to every problem.

If your program needs to store a list of values that will never change, you can compile the data into the source code.

If your program needs to save and restore a limited number of simple values, consider using the Registry. This solution works well for user configuration settings as long as each computer has only one user. If users share computers or move from one computer to another, you need to store these settings in a more central location. The Registry is also less useful for information you want all users to share. For instance, if you want your program to display ...