Re: How to get fast random access to a large file?

Depending on your application, you could use fixed length records. This format can be edited in a text editor (carefully) and it also provides random access:

some text    #
more lines   #
a very big   #
  line split #
  into three #
[download]

another markup for overflowing lines:

some text    #
more lines   #
a very big   \
line split   \
into three   #
[download]

Comment on Re: How to get fast random access to a large file? Select or Download Code

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re^2: How to get fast random access to a large file? by gothic_mallard (Pilgrim) on Oct 29, 2004 at 12:45 UTC
Unfortuantly I don't have any control over the structure of the data file as it's autogenerated by software written by someone else and used by other systems. The content I can change (like, if it says to print "Mr J Bloggs", change it to "Mrs A Nonimouse") but I can't change the representation. --- Jay All code is untested unless otherwise stated. All opinions expressed are my own and are intended as guidance, not gospel; please treat what I say as such and as Abigail said Think for yourself. If in doubt ask.	[reply]

Replies are listed 'Best First'.

Re^2: How to get fast random access to a large file?
by gothic_mallard (Pilgrim) on Oct 29, 2004 at 12:45 UTC

Unfortuantly I don't have any control over the structure of the data file as it's autogenerated by software written by someone else and used by other systems.

The content I can change (like, if it says to print "Mr J Bloggs", change it to "Mrs A Nonimouse") but I can't change the representation.

--- Jay

All code is untested unless otherwise stated.
All opinions expressed are my own and are intended as guidance, not gospel; please treat what I say as such and as Abigail said Think for yourself.
If in doubt ask.

[reply]