How can I retrieve the object properties values from the database?

Building a small game for fun?

• Using Java btw What is the best way to store data about the items in the game and what is the best way to retrieve it. For example creating a level using objects like land tiles. Currently my ineffective method is saving the url for the picture of the object and properties in a text file. Would it be better to use a database? If so a good example would be appreciated.

• Answer:

  It depends somewhat on the language you are using, and the libraries/frameworks you can utilize. For instance, in Java, I might suggest using serialization, with the caveat that you might need to take care of changes in your objects between versions. Even though XML is often over-prescribed, using an XML file might not be a bad idea either. A "database" might be a little heavyweight for this, however there are some lightweight embedded databases that might be useful (SQL light and sleepycat/BDB come to mind). A plain text-file has the disadvantage that it is easier to "hack", although no save file is hack-proof, as devoted hackers can reverse engineer your game. Also, if you're on Windows, and the amount of data is small, it might be worth storing it in the registry.