performance and flexibility question - how should i categorize my XML files database? using XML or directories?

Question

I am not sure this is the question for this forum.

I am creating a program that uses between 500-1500 files, I would like to know which way is the preferable way to use in-order to categorize my DB.

I am currently categorizing my files from inside the xml files by having a tag:

<Category>Basic</Category>

this gives me high flexibility of controling the xml files. though it removes a lot of performance, gives me higher space usage, less possibility to create more features (due to low performance).

What i thought i should do is to create a folder called "Basic" (e.g) and store my "Basic" categorized XML files in there - which will give me more performance (etc..) though less flexibility.

should I use folders instead?

Thanks in advanced,

Din.

Answer 1

One option would be using different file extensions.