[Q] Text vs Binary Files

From: Eric (egDfAusenetE5fz_at_verizon.net)
Date: 05/27/04 

Date: Thu, 27 May 2004 01:23:11 GMT

Assume that disk space is not an issue
(the files will be small < 5k in general for the purpose of storing
preferences)

Assume that transportation to another OS may never occur.

Are there any solid reasons to prefer text files over binary files
files?

Some of the reasons I can think of are:

-- should transportation to another OS become useful or needed,
   the text files would be far easier to work with

-- tolerant of basic data type size changes (enumerated types have been
   known to change in size from one version of a compiler to the next)

-- if a file becomes corrupted, it would be easier to find and repair
   the problem potentially avoiding the annoying case of just
   throwing it out

I would like to begin using XML for the storage of application
preferences, but I need to convince others who are convinced that binary
files are the superior method that text files really are the way to go.

Thoughts? Comments?

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Fibonacci program
    ... > PERSONALLY (again style - but explaining my preferences), ... > later in the paragraph was never "reached" in a subsequent PERFORM (so no ... > AND ONLY ONE of the items could be 3 during a single iteration of the ... > Without claiming that I will CONVINCE anyone, ...
    (comp.lang.cobol)
  • Re: HEY JOEL!; new pictures on Frapper
    ... > i'm on board (some form of transportation) for the u.p. ... All preferences for style and location will be taken ... Prev by Date: ...
    (rec.outdoors.fishing.fly)
  • Re: MAC or PC?
    ... > At the end of the day, we all have our preferences and tastes, so why do ... > people insist on trying to convince others to take on their preference? ... install win2k or winxp on WHQL certified hardware - keep updates up to ...
    (comp.graphics.apps.photoshop)