diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index ff497c4..a3e47b5 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -21,6 +21,54 @@ This project helps you: - Visualize price changes with charts and graphs - Generate reports on spending patterns and savings opportunities +## Storage Options + +When storing your grocery receipt data, you have several options: + +### CSV Files +**Advantages:** +- Simple, human-readable format +- Easy to share and import into other tools (Excel, Google Sheets) +- No database software required +- Good for small datasets + +**Disadvantages:** +- No data validation or constraints +- Difficult to query across multiple files +- Performance degrades with large datasets +- No built-in concurrency support +- Not ideal for tracking relationships between data (e.g., items to receipts) + +### SQLite Database +**Advantages:** +- Lightweight, serverless database engine +- Single file storage (easy to backup and transfer) +- Supports SQL queries for complex analysis +- ACID compliant for data integrity +- No separate database server required +- Excellent for desktop/local applications + +**Disadvantages:** +- Limited concurrent write access +- Not suitable for multi-user web applications +- Database size can grow with large datasets + +### PostgreSQL/MySQL Database +**Advantages:** +- Robust, enterprise-grade database systems +- Excellent for multi-user applications +- Advanced querying capabilities +- Strong concurrency support +- Scalable for large datasets + +**Disadvantages:** +- Requires separate database server setup +- More complex configuration +- Overkill for personal/local use cases + +### Recommendation for This Project +For tracking personal grocery receipts with price comparison features, **SQLite** is the recommended option. It provides the benefits of a proper database (structured queries, data integrity, relationships) while remaining simple to set up and maintain as a single file. This aligns with the current implementation in the "Getting Started" section. + ## Getting Started 1. Clone this repository