Store Data WITHOUT arrays

Hi,
I am writing a program for a warehouse stock inventory. One of the requirements is to have a program that updates the stock levels (sold/bought). I'm using using binary files for this. Is there anyway apart from using arrays to update the stock? (i was wondering if there was anything more memory efficient?)
Thanks,
T.C
[This message has been edited by Tony Cossie (edited April 12, 2001).]

That is what databases were made for. Surely you have an Access or Oracle database around somewhere? If not you should seriously think about getting one, it will make you life much easier and more efficient.

Oh i know about databases. but this is a programming assignment i have to do. I think i have it figured out now though. I cannot use Access, Oracle or SQL or anything of that ilk

Umm...just wondering why you couldn't use a database. Not enough space?
Paul R

Tony,
It sounds to me like what you need to use is a Collection.
Go to the following link: http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/collections/intro/index.html
The Hashtable is one of my favorites. Think of it as a keyed data file.

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Regards,
Travis M. Gibson, SCJP
Java Developer
www.travismgibson.com
travis@travismgibson.com

Arrays or in-memory objects are probably not the best choice if the data needs to be persistent. For simple applications, java.io.RandomAccessFile works fine.
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Phil Hanna
Author of :
JSP: The Complete Reference
Instant Java Servlets