Plain Text Storage
Plain text storage refers to the practice of saving data in a simple, human-readable text format without any special encoding, markup, or binary structures. It involves storing information as raw characters (e.g., ASCII or UTF-8) in files like .txt, .csv, or .json, making it easily accessible and editable with basic tools. This approach prioritizes simplicity, portability, and interoperability over advanced features like compression or encryption.
Developers should use plain text storage for scenarios requiring maximum compatibility, such as configuration files, logs, data exchange between systems, or when working with version control systems like Git, as it allows for easy diffing and merging. It's ideal for prototyping, small datasets, or when human readability is critical, such as in documentation or scripts, though it may not be suitable for large-scale or sensitive data due to lack of built-in security or efficiency.