I use the default (which I believe is compressed XML). Some of the differences between using XML and the database (and I trust others on this list to make corrections where I get it wrong, and I probably will be wrong somewhere <grin>):
- Saving: when you use SQLITE3, transactions are saved to disk as they are entered; when using XML, the user must explicitly save the file (or have auto-save enabled). I assume therefore that SQLITE3 will have more disk accesses, but briefer ones, as XML writes out the entire file. I assume both formats keep backups (I know that XML does; I don't know about SQLITE3). - Speed: I assume that the SQLITE3 is a bit faster; I keep my GnuCash file on a NAS in the compressed XML format. Reading in the entire file is pretty speedy on my Mac: When the GnuCash splash screen comes up, it takes two seconds to read my file and display the Chart of Accounts (and I have 8.5 years of data in my file). When the Autosave kicks off or I select "Save", it only takes a second to save the data. On Windows 10, it's a bit longer; I think it takes me about 5-6 seconds. I know that reading and saving is noticeably slower on Windows, but not dreadful. - Space: My compressed XML file with 8.5 years of data is 2.6M; I assume the SQLITE3 version would be larger, but I don't know - Other differences? As others have pointed out, these options can be changed at will. I've been happy with the default and use that. As for me, I think I'd only use the database format if I intended to write some of my own queries, but I currently don't have any inclination to do that. On Fri, Aug 1, 2025 at 11:18 AM Serge via gnucash-user < [email protected]> wrote: > Dear all, > > Context : I'm a historical user of Quicken 2000 (French version) for my > personal finance. Unfortunately, Quicken will not manage correctly the date > after 2026. So, I'm preparing a move to GnuCash. > > Very first question : should I create my file as XML or as SQLITE3 with GNC > 5.12 ? Pros and Cons ? > > Thanks for your support ! > > Serge > > _______________________________________________ > gnucash-user mailing list > [email protected] > To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: > https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user > ----- > Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. > You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All. > -- _________________________________ Richard Losey [email protected] Micah 6:8 _______________________________________________ gnucash-user mailing list [email protected] To update your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe: https://lists.gnucash.org/mailman/listinfo/gnucash-user ----- Please remember to CC this list on all your replies. You can do this by using Reply-To-List or Reply-All.
