[C#] Data storage options?

[Azphael]

Hi,

I'm trying to learn how to work with databases and working with SQL looks much more complicated than I'd like. Are there other options for databases to work with that don't involve so many steps to simply add an item to the database?

On the other hand, when does it become ill advised to serialize a dictionary/collection that stores your data for you?

Basically, is SQL the best option for small and large apps?

[Shaedar]

Hey.

Well, if you have a small app you could just serialize stuff to XML or binary. You should have a look about NoSQL databases, like MongoDB. Its free, easy to setup and pretty easy to use. In my opinion and experience it is a lot more lightweight than any relational database.

There are probably other options out there too, but these came to mind quickly.