Using a Client Dataset with File-based Data

Client datasets can work with dedicated files on disk as well as server data. This allows them to be used in file-based database applications and "briefcase model" applications. The special files that client datasets use for their data are called MyBase.

Tip: All client datasets are appropriate for a briefcase model application, but for a pure MyBase application (one that does not use a provider), it is preferable to use TClientDataSet, because it involves less overhead.

In a pure MyBase application, the client application cannot get table definitions and data from the server, and there is no server to which it can apply updates. Instead, the client dataset must independently

Define and create tables
Load saved data
Merge edits into its data
Save data