Why do so many programs use relation databases instead of loading the data during startup and keeping it in memory? Especially for smaller datasets I would think, that a database adds unnecessary complexity and overhead. Also, a lot of data can be saved using modern RAM and when using an in-memory approach, optimized data structures can be utilised to further improve the performance
Edit: yes I meant relational databases
And also it may save you down the road.
Sure, your dataset might not be big now but what about in a year’s time? It’s easier to start out using a database than to have to transition it later.