Searching a Text File...

I created a database to store records and had no problem returning query results. However, I was told that we can't use Access and that the records need to be stored in a semi-colon delimited text file.

I have no clue whatsoever how to write a search. This file holds over 260,000 records so speed is possibly going to be a problem.

The file format is (semi-colon used because of name Format with comma):

ID; Lastname, FirstName; Sex; Date of Birth; Mother's Name

Originally with the database I selected a field to search and ran the related query with the criteria pulled from a text box. Now I'm thinking that I just need a text box and run the search for matches from that single text box.

A piece of code to get me started would be lovely. Or... if you have links to any tutorials that would be great to.

Thanks,

Phil

Oh.. and they are sorted by Last Name.

I wrote this in a different thread, but it seems like it could be useful to you too:

http://forums.devshed.com/showthrea...0199#post330199

Phil,

Before you go too far down the redesign route...

I'm assuming your top-level app is VB and your original solution is storing the data in an "Access" DB? I say "Access" because, if you are using VB/ADO (or DAO), "Access" is not involved (at least that's my understanding). What you are doing is using the JET DBMS via ADO (or DAO) - Access is a product that uses JET in a similar manner and at the same "level" as your VB app. The point I'm making is that the target PC does not need to have Access installed in order to run - you can distribute your .exe and .mdb without the need for a licence on the target PC.

With the data volumes you mention, I seriously doubt that a flat-file solution is practical in a real-world situation - I strongly urge you to get back to whoever issued the edict against Access and clarify the situation.

I should stress that this is my current understanding of the situation - if I'm wrong, I hope that others will set me right (‘cos if I AM wrong, I’m in deep smelly stuff ).

NicMic,

Your assumption is close to correct. The database was imported from a quarterly report (typically thousands of pages long) that helps whenever our mini-computer or network is down for whatever reason. The database will be updated every quarter.

Because it is strictly for use with downtimes, everything must be done on the local machine. I was given the impression that Access must be installed for Visual Basic to run queries and pull the needed data.

According to your post I'm wrong, and so was a certain unnammed professor. But of course, sometimes being wrong is a good thing. =)

Thanks,

Phil