Re: new to databases

Thanks for your help so far. I think oracle might be overkill for what I am trying to do. I have around 5000 records. What I need is a way to organize these records. I need to use C++, along with openGL, to manipulate this data and then produce a visualization from the data. So I am looking for best (i.e. easiest) way to bring this data into my program to do calculations with it. I figured that since my dataset is around 5000, a database would be the best way to go.

Thanks,
David Katcher

On Wed, 19 Mar 2003, Gabriel Gonzalez wrote:

> > how exactly this database is stored. For instance, if I need to run this
> > program on a computer that does not have oracle, is it possible to use
> > this database? (i.e. is there a way to have the database created and not
>
> Not unless you are connected to the db somehow (via some network link that
> transports TCP/IP, or another supported protocol).
>
> > not possible, would I be better off using Access, which is more
> > available?(Also, is it possible with Access to write embedded SQL and pull
> > info from Access databases?) Thanks for the help.
>
> Depends on what you want to do.
>
> Oracle's more for "bog" stuff. Lots of data (where "lots" is more than
> [more or less] 200,000 records. This is a _very_ subjective figure, but
> it's ball-park), lots of users, lots of transactions, very high
> availability, extremely robust. With Oracle (and other bid DBs) you never
> modify the data files directly. You always talk to the RDBMS programs
> running on the server, even if you are running the database locally. These
> systems are very expensive.
>
> Desktop databases (Access, Clipper, dBase, FoxPro, Paradox, etc...) are
> different. They are much simpler and you do not have a separate "server"
> process running. You always manipulate the data files directly (usually via
> drivers nowadays) and you have a higher risk of data corruption. Much fewer
> users are supported (the most is about 20, although you can push it very to
> about 60 with some of the data file formats mentioned). Price is extremely
> cheap (free).
>
> Each database type has its application, and none is better than another
> inherently. You have to choose the best DB for the specific job at hand.
>
> Having said that, if you need help in choosing, or have any other questions,
> ask again, but with more information as to what you intend to do.
>
>
>
Received on Wed Mar 19 2003 - 21:49:47 CST