Flat Files vs SQL

Call me a old timer but i like to keep my code as self sufficient as posible, not requiring 3rd parties.

Now so far everything folk tell me i should do in SQL i find it easier to do in Flat Files. So is theit something SQL can only do.

discuss, IMHO no

Database with users?
Pttfh

users.txt
username|password|all that fancy profile info
username|password|all that fancy profile info
username|password|all that fancy profile info

heck i can do this in a SQL database and not use up my user slots !

Message board?
Can you say PBLang?

Database of files like a resume index with a record counting function
Flat files works here to

so tell me is theire something i'll need SQL for so i can work on finding a way around it?

In fact, flat files are faster then databases most of the time.. However, once your database (flat file or rdbms) gets large you'll begin to see a lot better performance with the relational database.

Also, there are those handy little functions that databases have coded into them to make your coding easier.

Your point about not relying on a specific environment to operate in is a good one though.

com from being a hard coder of B.A.S.I.C.

you dont want to say have a exe you complied require the end user have something not incuded with you distribution CD. Hech to test my php i have to uploaded to my host asa dummy, unlike html and CSS which i can do off line...and that is irksome enough

download a test server from ...
http://www.devside.net/web/server/download

if your on windows that is