Is it unwise to rely on JSON files rather than a database for my inventory management application?

I’m currently opting for JSON files because it allows me to quickly develop my inventory management application, especially since I haven’t mastered SQL yet. Would using JSON in place of a traditional database cause significant issues down the line in terms of performance, scalability, or reliability, or is it an acceptable interim solution while I improve my skills with database management systems?

Hey Leo_Speedster, I get where you’re coming from with JSON—it makes the initial development a breeze, and I’ve been in that space before. I’m just wondering, once your app starts handling more heavy lifting, have you thought about the potential headaches with managing file locks or data corruption? I’ve toyed with the idea of using something like a lightweight NoSQL solution as a gentle pivot when you need more robust data control without diving headfirst into complex SQL scenarios. I’d be really interested to hear how you plan to navigate the crossroads between rapid prototyping and long-term stability. What strategies are you considering to tackle scalability, if JSON ever starts showing its limits? Let’s chat more on how others have maybe planned for migration or even adopted a hybrid approach. Cheers!

Hey Leo_Speedster, I’ve been mulling over this idea and though using JSON can really streamline early development, I’m curious about how you’d handle data integrity when your application’s usage begins to grow. I mean, it’s super convenient to just pop data into a file, but then things can get messy when multiple users or processes are trying to update that file at once, right? I wonder if you’ve thought about how you’d manage backup or recovery if something unexpected happens. On the flip side, lightweight solutions like SQLite might be a comfortable middle ground as you get familiar with database structures without diving into the heavy stuff too quickly. What kind of scale are you anticipating, and do you see potential hurdles in transitioning from JSON to a more robust system later on? Would love to hear your take on balancing ease of development with future scalability issues!

Based on my own experience developing small-scale projects, JSON files can be an acceptable solution during the early phases of development, particularly when quick iteration is essential and data volume is low. However, I’ve encountered limitations when scaling and facing concurrent access scenarios. File-based storage may lead to data corruption or performance issues under heavier loads. The flexibility of a full-fledged database becomes apparent as the application grows, making transitions more complex. It might be wise to initially plan for eventual migration or incorporate abstraction layers to ease the future shift.

hey, im leaning toward json for prototyping but beware of future issues like race conditions or lost data. if you plan on growing usage, consider planning for an eventual switch to a proper db. its a neat stopgap though, till you get more comfrtable with sql.