A "well-written" application wouldn't search, it would index.

Now I understand your reasoning... you really aren't talking about the use of a DBMS or not.

It would be more accurate for you to be suggest the embedding of a simple database-like mechanism (a.k.a. DBMS) into the application level rather than accessing a DBMS backend (i.e. MySQL, Postgres, Sybase ASE, Oracle, etc).

That's the crux of your argument: embedding is always better than not with single user access. I believe the cliche "it depends" applies here. It depends on the type of data, the amount of data, what you're going to be doing with the data, etc. There is much to consider before choosing between an embedded dbms or a backend dbms (and also which dbms as well).

please don't misunderstand me, you bring up excellent points but I don't think you were conveying them like you intended.

Jason L. Froebe