windows database

[vvMINOvv]

I am trying to create a database of contacts for a program that would run locally (kinda like ms outlook) for easy searching and data manipulation. I am not sure however, how to go about doing so. I was thinking of creating a mySQL database, but I am not sure if it was meant for local programs (i have never worked with databases before)...any tips or hints would be very helpful. Thank you.

[m4ster r0shi]

Well, you could define a record type for your data element (which in your case is a contact), and then use file i/o to retrieve/store data from/to a file on your hard drive.

If you are not familiar with user defined types this might be useful:
http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/structures/

And if you are not familiar with file manipulation this could help:
http://www.cplusplus.com/doc/tutorial/files/

[z05DSL3A]

SQL Server Compact...
http://www.microsoft.com/Sqlserver/2008/en/us/compact.aspx

[choisum]

MS Access maybe..

[vvMINOvv]

Thank you very much guys, after reading you replies it got me thinking...does my program really need a database? I mean, I'm going to want to store and load around 1000 contacts every time the program starts.
SQL Server Compact seems very appealing but I'm not sure what the fastest way to deal with around 1000 instances of a class is.

So my main question is, what would be more efficient for 1000 class instances; a database like SQL or even Access, or should I just store everything in a txt file.

your opinion would be very helpful.

[Lamblion]

Database will be way faster, even with a 1000 entries, especially if you get into indexing, searching, etc.

[vvMINOvv]

SQL SERVER COMPACT IT IS !! lol.....thank you everyone, this was very helpful