How to store user responses

Question

Hi, I'm developing a basic questionnare with a javafx UI. I need to store users' responses offline, and I need a simple but safe (e.g. against accidental output file deletion or content modification) method to do so. My first thought was to produce (or modify) a password-protected xls spreadsheet in a hidden folder as an output when the program is used. Are there smarter and safer methods?

Answer 1

I think working with Excel files could be really challenging, I would opt for a much simpler solution, like writing a bytestream into a file, or using a sqlite database.
There is probably no absolute guarantee against modification or deletion, but choosing the file location can conceal it from the user, like saving it in a purposefully hidden folder, eg. AppData on Windows.

Answer 2

Thank you for your response. Following your suggestion, I implemented a sql database stored in AppData, I find it easier than excel to manage.

Answer 3

Well done Ema261989 , glad to hear that my idea was helpful :)