will it be very slow if i'm using ms access as database for storing words in my dictionary software? i saw many dictionary using binary file for storing words, any comment on the performace and other benefits on using access and binary file.??

hmmm how many words are u expecting to have in the database?

for a small project
i think it is ok

unless u make like 14 thousands ++ over words

small projects will be ok ..
try use XML

Unlike dbx which has a limit at 2Gb(unless you buy a commercial version tools), the mdb actually do not have such problem generally. But the downside is that it does not support pack command which make the size extremely large if you often add and delete. But for your case, obviously you only add once and leave it as it. So, I believe it is adequate.

If you need to go beyond mdb in term of storage. You can try SQLite which offer you 2 terabytes (or more).

few thoudsand words lor.. okay with ms access? xml? heard b4 but never use before, how is it? can explain more about it?

XML == slow.

Not practical if you do not have a fast XML parser engine.

Few thousand words only?
I think text file already adequate.

Do you know how many words and bytes can a Ms Access file can store?

I think I have been being far-fetch on this topic.

In short, erictioh84, my advice to you is Access since it is easier to program with all those component easily available in your IDE.

XML, well, if you want to play on the current trend of standard, the XML, you can try it too since it is only few thousand words.

anyone here know more about windows api? i got few question to ask

erictioh84,

I will encourage you use MS-Access for the reasons below

• File base database and easy deployment
• Faster performance, compare to XML
• Support SQL, which ease your program in searching.

BTW, what do you want to know about Windows API? Don't forget to mention the programming language that you use to code this program.


Happy Coding

well. i'm using vb.net. my first question about windows api is that.

i can get the text inside a notepad using sendmessage() api call. but i only can get whole passage in the notepad.

what i want is when i use my mouse pointer to point on notepad, i can get the word under my mouse pointer only but not the whole passage.

my idea was to get the whole passage and assign in a string first, then count char by char on the string and then compare with my mouse pointer's location and see which word is it.

ok this seem work only some case only because let say the passage in ms word, text could be in differrent size and this would be very troublesome..

so experts here, anyidea on this?

erictioh84,


Sound like you are allowing the users to use the mouse pointer to point on the word and add them into your dictionary. Correct me, if I am wrong.

There are various form of displaying text. Some is plain text, like notepad; some are bitmap, like the text on the picture. Please take into that into your consideration.

About the API, I am not very sure. When I manage to find it, will share with you.


Happy Coding

actually when user point their mouse pointer to the text , then my program will get meaning for the user.

regarding text right, i'm only consider text which is real font type not bitmap.

do you have the code? i try this for a long time.

I am not sure, but i think you need to get the mouse position and then, convert to windows client position and base on the position to calculate which one you are currently selecting.

(I think there are API to obtain current cursor position in the text area too. You need to check)

i'm still in testing phase only now i can get all text inside notepad and other textbox control only.

can you share the code at here?
no idea how can CIBA2000 application can do it, something similar to the CIBA2000,get the text at mouse position.