Should I use database or CSV?

Which is better CSV or database?

CSV will probably be faster for smaller data sets. However, rolling your own insert routines in CSV could be painful and you lose the advantages of database indexing. My general recommendation would be to just use MySql, as I said previously, in most cases it will be faster.

Why use a database over a CSV?

Database provide more flexibility whereas flat file provide less flexibility. Database system provide data consistency whereas flat file can not provide data consistency. Database is more secure over flat files.

Can CSV file be used as database?

Databases can do EXACTLY the same thing with CSV files. Just as a journal is used to maintain the atomic nature of individual transactions, the same exact thing can be done with CSV.

Should I use a database or files?

When handling small data sets with arbitrary, probably unrelated data, file is more efficient than database. For simple operations, read, write, file operations are faster and simple. You can find n number of difference over internet.