Which would be faster XML or Access DB

[+chorpeac MVC]

OK I have this little application that keeps track of my DVD Library. It contains information about the DVD like title, sound/video formats, aspect ratio, and who might be borrowing it, etc.

It is currently stored in an XML file. But I am wondering if it would perform better on an acess database?

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Just remember it is done using C# on the .NET Compact framework.

[kjordan2001]

I'd use XML, it's a lot better than Access.

[+chorpeac MVC]

You know what, I can't even find a way to get to the Access Database. I saw a website link, but it was using a wrapper written in VB. Do you know of any articles demonstrating the use of Access or pocket Access on a pocketpc?

[kjordan2001]

Not sure how it goes on Pocket PC, but regularly you would use ODBC to connect.

Here's a quick example of how to connect (taken from the MSDN library).

public void CreateOdbcConnection() 
{
   string myConnString = "Driver={Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb)};DBQ=c:\bin\nwind.mdb";
   OdbcConnection myConnection = new OdbcConnection(myConnString);
   myConnection.Open();
   //do stuff
   myConnection.Close();
}

[+chorpeac MVC]

yeah, i already tried this. The problem is there is not an ODBC connection available. There is a SQLCE connection but not ODBC. I think I am just going to stick with the XML for now.

[kcherasaro]

You may want to look at SQL Server for Windows CE. Here is the link: SQL Server CE

[+chorpeac MVC]

How easy is it to distribute the SQLCE? You need licenses don't you?

[+chorpeac MVC]

Ah here is the statement from Microsoft:

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Windows? CE Edition (SQL Server CE) is distributed as a downloadable development product for mobile applications. You can deploy SQL Server CE to an unlimited number of mobile devices provided that they operate in stand-alone mode. In stand-alone mode, the device does not connect to or use the resources of any SQL Server system not present on the device.

[nowimnothing]

that sounds roughly equivalent to what you can do with MSDE on a desktop machine right? maybe even a little less stringent of requirements. not bad.