Group assignment for JAVA, Database or CSV file?

[EIijah]

So in a group we have to create a small management program which will be able to store info on employees like salary, departments and stuff and because currently I'm very bad at Java, I would like to know if it's going to be easier to use a SQL Database or a CSV file (I'm also taking a database class) but given that currently I only know basic Java, which would be easier?

[Juggernaught]

I prefer SQL

[Nuluvius]

If you feel up to going with the SQL DB option then it will likely offer better returns as you would then be able to demonstrate model design.

There's frameworks such as JPA and Hibernate.

Try to also separate your application into layers such as with the MVC or MVVM design patterns. Hide your implementation detail away as much as possible behind interfaces. For instance, I want to save or load some data but I shouldn't have to care about where or how this happens (means you can swap the implementation out later). Try to write some tests using JUnit against the behaviour at these interfaces (don't couple tests to the implementation detail)

[rockking1379]

SQLite be a great and easy to use database. Somewhere out there is a jdbc driver for it

[madknight3]

Since you're doing a group project, it might depend on what the others are familiar with. If only you are working on the storage aspect of the application then you can do what you want and abstract the details away for everyone else. If someone else will work on the storage with you, then you should make sure they are also comfortable with databases before you choose.

 

Both options are simple once you're familiar with them. Learning to work with a database will likely take you extra time (maybe a little or maybe a lot) and that may or may not be an issue for your deadline.