Microsoft explains locally storing app data for Windows 10

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Published onMay 10, 2016

published onMay 10, 2016

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TheWindows App Team has written up yet another blog postto inform developers about their options when it comes to storing app data. The team has been focusing on building knowledge on the building blocks of app development and encouraging developers to build on and convert their applications to the Universal Windows Platform. A month ago, we even saw Microsoft’sporting guidefor apps to convert from Silverlight to UWP.

The blog series has already coveredroaming dataand utilizing cloud providers, but this post specifically focused on the local types of data storage. What that means is the data that is stored directly in the device’s files instead of being shared multiple installations.

Developers will need to decide which type works best with their application. There are two types of app data: Files and settings. Files include the data that the application needs to store binary and custom types of data. The settings is best used for saving the app status and user preferences through a variety of data types:

As most developers know, the data can be stored in three possible locations on the device: Local, LocalCache, and Temporary. The best part about data stored in the Local folder is that the information can be backed up with the App Data Backup just in case. This also means, however, that security isn’t guaranteed. Developers using the Local folder should avoid storing personal information, credentials, and data that are tied to a specific device.

Local folders can hold both files and settings. The best part about data stored in the Local folder is that the information can be backed up with the App Data Backup just in case. This also means, however, that security isn’t guaranteed. Developers using the Local folder should avoid storing personal information, credentials, and data that are tied to a specific device. Furthermore, the blog states that using theCredential Lockerfeature is recommended to ensure the safety of information that should remain private.

LocalCache folders will hold the data after suspension or closure of the application, but will not remain through the backup assistant. This is where developers should store authentication, credentials, and any other data that is needed across app sessions but shouldn’t be saved otherwise.

Temporary folders serve exactly the purpose of being temporary. Data in the temporary folder is best used for files that won’t be needed anymore after the application’s use. It’s also good practice to clear the temporary files when an app is initialized to minimize any storage issues.

With these options in mind, developers will be able to make a more informed decision on how exactly to store the data locally on devices. To read more into the detail of how to implement data storage, check out the officialblogwritten by Hector Barbera from the Developer Ecosystem and Platform.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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