XML vs Array - performance in data interaction

Hi there,

I recently discovered the XML object when I was starting a new project for a JRPG turn based combat demo. Without knowing the limits of that feature, I already like the sound of it being there. Sorting out RPG data like spells, abilities and what not will be a breeze.

I'm wondering though, if I have a large XML file with a list of all, say, spells in my game, is it faster to read straight from the XML file using the parse expressions, or preload all the XML data into the ingame array and retrieve data from the array, or will neither make much difference?

Different data that has to do with different aspects of the game, such as triggered events, spells, abilities etc, should they come in one large xml file or be split into multiple files?

Unless you continuously read thousands of items per second, performance of either way is not going to be important.

Thanks Ashley. Sounds like performance won't be a concern for text-based data retrieval then.