My 2D Top Down Online RPG

[Johnson]

I would like to get some input on how I'm planning to manage user information, I'm planning to use XML files, at first I thought multiple xml files, one for each account, but then I was told one would work, and I could have the server just save to this file once every so and so, etc, and that would faster.
so an example,
users.xml

Code: Select all

<account>
    <name>Fouf</name>
    <password>1JFJij2D2</password>
    <character>
          <characterName> 123 </characterName>
          <location ...>
    </character>
   <character>..
   </character>
</account>
<account>
..
</account>

Is xml a bad idea for this? I'm not planning to make it a MMORPG or anything, maybe something people could host servers for some friends, but I might go with hosting some dedicated servers.. I'm kind of unsure atm hehe.

Use a database.

[L. Spiro]

JSON is preferred over XML these days as it produces smaller files.
If you were concerned about file size or encryption/cheaters, binary would be the best option.


L. Spiro