I've been tasked with creating an Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) system for school to handle assessment feedback, but I've been told not to use a database at all. Instead, I need to store everything in a plain text file. This feels strange to me, especially since almost all the tutorials I see utilize databases, and everyone has completed a SQL course. It seems like using a text file is less organized and not scalable. Is there a particular reason for this approach?
5 Answers
There are definitely reasons to forgo a database. Using a text file can reduce complexity, saving you time. It's also a chance to explore alternative storage methods beyond SQL databases, which can be beneficial depending on your project's needs.
Consider whether you really need the scalability of a database. For a simpler app, a text file might be sufficient. Plus, text files are super easy to read and edit manually, which can be an advantage.
I actually built an app without a database before—part of it was just to challenge myself and learn better coding practices. It pushed me to think outside the box! So, yes, apps without databases definitely exist, and sometimes they help you learn more.
Truthfully, this will prepare you for real-world scenarios where you might have to work with legacy systems or plain text data files. It's an important skill to have, even if it feels outdated!
It sounds like the project is focusing on your file input and output skills rather than database management. Maybe they want you to learn how to handle data formats like JSON or CSV, which can be pretty handy too!

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