How do apps or programs store long term data?

Question

Beginner programmer here.

Beyond variables which are temporary storage how do programmers keep data, say, after the app is closed and reopened?

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example: if I enter 4 items on a list and press save – and I close the app, how would one store the data to view later from within that same app?

I always think I should be able to store data from an app onto a spreadsheet and have the app call the data from the spreadsheet – but I’m sure it’s more complicated that this.

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Because I’m a noob, perhaps I am not using the proper vocabulary to explain so here’s a more specific idea. I want to make an app that allows me to enter asset numbers or serial numbers of ipads and store information about them- like past repairs/complaints or issues. When I enter the asset number from the app I’d like it to pull up all of this data.

To me I would just say “use a spread sheet” but I would like the challenge and fun of creating the app. The problem is I’m not sure how to interact with any sort of long term storage- the only real thing I understand is variables and the likes.

this is probably way over my head, so, I don’t need a tutorial on how to do this. I’m just curious what is commonly done or how developers solve the issue of needing long-term data storage they will call on later.

THanks!

In: Technology

Answer 1

Others have explained the common ways to do it, but I feel it’s helpful to point out: you *totally* could store all that information in a spreadsheet and load it back in when the app is started again. Your idea isn’t wrong at all, and it doesn’t have to be more complicated than that. (All right, if you’re writing an app used by millions, this might not cut it…)

There are better options of course, but everything has its pros and cons. Databases are optimized, efficient, and easy to manipulate. Text/binary files are simple and quick to implement. I’ve written programs that manipulate spreadsheets before because I didn’t want the up-front cost of setting up a database but still wanted to be able to hand edit and view data (and share with others) in a simple way.