I may get downvoted for this (rather unfairly I'd say), but if you haven't used any databases before, I'd suggest you look at SDBM or DB_File. Others will argue on how powerful or efficient these are but they're really nice for someone who doesn't have much database background and doesn't need something as complex as MySQL.

Using these, I join all my data pieces with :: and split when I need them. IMHO, these are the easiest to work with if you're just starting with databases.

"Age is nothing more than an inaccurate number bestowed upon us at birth as just another means for others to judge and classify us"

sulfericacid