iPhone App: Best Practices to store/retrieve static data

Question

I need to load about 500 records of static data to display. I would like to know the best practices to store/retrieve data among using xml file, array, sqllite using core data in terms of simplicity and performance.

Answer 1

It depends.

If you load from xml in plist format into an array,dictionary, set etc, then you have to read it all into memory in one big chunk. If the records are relatively small and simple i.e. no relationships and no custom behaviors, then xml would be the easiest solution.

If memory is an issue and/or the data is complex, then Core Data is the way to go. It not only simplifies memory management but also the interaction with the rest of the app particularly the UI.