Hi.


I'll get right to it.

I need to write a program in C/nCurses for my dad. It needs a database back end. There are two requirements that I need some form of database backend for.

Requirements: ( 0 )
0. Store a category.
1. Store liquor lines.
2. Store the units for each line.
3. Store the cases and costs for each unit.

Eg.
Beer -< Category

Victoria Bitter <- Liquor Line

375ml stubby <- Unit type
24pk <- Case type
6pk <- Case type

800mls <- Unit type
18pk <- Case type

Requirements: ( 1 )
0. Account / Customer Details. ( same thing )
1. Invoice report for some Account / Customer

So basically it's two databases, and 4 tables for the first one and 2 for the second one. I've done stuff like this before in SQL so I'm used to SQL style but I can figure out any database language.

I did write some low level file handling stuff for a subject in computer science, basically writing our records to pages and flushing pages out to binary, and writing some indexes for it. It was hard!

I don't wanna write all my own low level file handling, I need something to embed thats free software and good but I can't find anything except some experimental thing some university in some country is writing but there's no source code.

If you guys know any good stuff thats well documented I'd appreciate it. I gotta get this thing done ASAP my dad needs something fast.

Why embedded - how small is 'embedded' and what CPU?

A key/value database (like the sleepycat DB) is fairly small - but I get the impression you want a relational DB.

You can get x86-family or ARM processors that consume under 8W (12-15W with hard disks) and these have better specs than a top-of-line desktop from 8 years ago - definitely capable of running a relational database like PostGRESQL or MySQL (but check the project websites to see what CPUs they've been built and tested on). Given the rather steep price of these small boards for the embedded market, you may be better off buying a Mac Mini or the generic PC clone equivalent - that way you have a single warranty and a nice box.

The database is the easy part - making a nice friendly web interface is the tough part. My guess is 2 weeks solid work + testing and that's assuming you already know what you're doing and don't have to spend too much time reading.

Have a look at SQLite.
No seperate database server process or so. Just a library that will store your (multiple) tables and indexes in one binary file.

Open source, and avaibable as a package on most distributions.

What about using SQLite?

Edit: I see Hko just beat me to it!

I don't mean embedded as in it's on a small device.

Sorry I just googled and got the meaning of the term. It's not what I want.
I can use a separate database and write a C client with ncurses but I think it'd be easier if I could include a database library into the C program and do everything from within without starting up a database server.

Like #include <some database library>

I'm trying to avoid using a separate database server for it just 'cause but if thats the way to go then I can do that too.

The programs very basic so will be the UI it's going to run on a laptop.

Is there anything wrong with using SQLite for what you want to do?

No SQLite is perfect. It's what I wanted.

I typed up the previous response while the other two were being written.


I'll post an update when the programs completed.