I am in the process of developing a personal website and wanted to explore the possibility of creating it without relying on MySQL or any other databases. Instead, I would like to utilize files for storing data.
However, I immediately encountered a challenge regarding the proper organization of data on the site.
To address this, here is my proposed solution:
1. The "users.file" will contain essential user information such as logins and passwords.
2. The "news.file" will store details about news articles, including headlines, descriptions, and the authors.
3. The "posts.file" will exclusively handle responses to various news/topics.

If anyone with expertise could provide suggestions on improving the file structure, I would greatly appreciate it.

The website should include features like registration, login authentication, user profiles, private messaging, news updates, and a forum with the ability to post comments. These are the fundamental functionalities I aim to implement.

Should I proceed with this file-based approach or should I reconsider and opt for MySQL instead?

Using a file-based approach for storing data can be an alternative to using a database, especially for simpler websites or projects. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to proceed with a file-based approach or switch to a database like MySQL:

 Scalability: File-based systems might work well for small-scale projects, but as the size and complexity of your website grow, it can become challenging to manage and manipulate data efficiently. Databases are designed specifically for handling large amounts of data and offer better scalability.

 Data Integrity: Databases provide mechanisms, such as transactions and constraints, to ensure data integrity. With a file-based approach, ensuring consistent and valid data can be more difficult and error-prone. Databases also handle concurrent access better, preventing issues that may arise from multiple users accessing and modifying files simultaneously.

 Performance: Databases are optimized for efficient data retrieval and manipulation. They use indexing, caching, and other techniques to speed up queries. File-based approaches can work well for small datasets, but as the amount of data grows, databases tend to offer better performance.

 Data Relationships: Databases excel at managing relationships between different sets of data. If you have complex relationships between users, news articles, comments, and other entities, a database would provide more flexibility and ease in managing these relationships compared to a file-based approach.


Based on the functionalities you aim to implement, such as user profiles, private messaging, news updates, and a forum, using a database like MySQL might be more suitable. Databases offer structured storage, querying capabilities, and better support for complex relationships between data entities.

However, if your website is relatively simple and you don't anticipate a high volume of data or frequent updates, a file-based approach could be viable. It can be a lightweight and straightforward solution for smaller projects.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific requirements, project scale, and your familiarity with database technologies. It might be worth considering the long-term goals and potential future expansion of your website before making a final decision.

What you need is sqlite, a single file sql database. In your code, you treat it as a regular file and interact with it using SQL. That's likely what you're looking for.

Otherwise, you can opt for other popular data storage formats like xml or json. However, it's important to note that you will eventually run into typical database issues. While building a project using sqlite can be a valuable learning experience, it may not be suitable for a production-ready solution.

On the other hand, sqlite can be a convenient, easy-to-use, and sometimes more reliable choice for creating a content management system (CMS) for a small website or store. It adheres to standards and has a well-developed infrastructure. But when dealing with heavy loads or large datasets, you will need to migrate to a full-fledged DBMS since sqlite operates entirely in memory.

I have vivid memories of using an ancient mobile CMS called PCMS, as well as another one developed by RotorCMS. Both of these systems operated entirely on files and provided impressive stability. They offered a wide range of functionalities, including registration, forums, chats, news, and even online games.

While the technology has evolved significantly since then, it's fascinating to see how far we've come in terms of website development and content management systems. Nowadays, we enjoy more dynamic and sophisticated platforms that cater to various needs and offer seamless user experiences.

There are several considerations to keep in mind before proceeding with this approach.

Firstly, utilizing files for data storage can lead to potential security vulnerabilities if not properly managed. Unlike databases, file-based systems may be more prone to unauthorized access and manipulation. Therefore, it's crucial to implement robust security measures such as encryption and access control mechanisms to safeguard sensitive user data, especially login credentials and private messages.

Secondly, scalability and performance should be taken into account. While a file-based approach may work well for a small-scale website, it can become less efficient as the volume of data and user interactions grows. Retrieving and updating information from separate files can lead to slower response times compared to database queries, particularly when handling concurrent user activities.

Thirdly, maintaining data integrity and consistency becomes more challenging without the built-in transactional support provided by databases. File operations are susceptible to interruptions, which can result in incomplete or corrupted data if not managed carefully.

Considering the functionalities you aim to implement, such as registration, login authentication, user profiles, private messaging, news updates, and a forum with commenting capabilities, a database-driven approach like MySQL would offer inherent benefits in terms of data organization, query efficiency, and transactional support.
However, if you are committed to pursuing the file-based approach for the sake of exploration or specific project requirements, ensure thorough testing and continuous monitoring for potential performance bottlenecks and security weaknesses. Additionally, consider using established libraries or frameworks that offer file-based data management functionalities to streamline development and mitigate common challenges associated with manual file handling.

Using files for storing data? That's like trying to build a skyscraper using LEGO bricks.

It's a ridiculous idea that will only lead to headaches and frustration. Databases are designed for handling large amounts of data and providing efficient querying capabilities. Without a database, your website will be slow, unresponsive, and prone to errors. I would advise against using files for storing data and opt for a database like MySQL instead.