read/write ini files...

[zehd]

I'm coding with VB6

I've been surfing everywhere and found many ways to read and write to ini files, but all of the ways require a key:

Code:

[KEY1]
Value1=thing
Value2=etc

I want to be able to refer to just a Value without a key...

Why?

For example, comskip.ini has values, I'd like to read directly, and there's no Keys. If I add a key to the top, the comments that are 'semi-coloned out' are also retrieved...

I know that another way for me to read and write to text files, are to read the whole thing into a buffer, read/edit the value, and then write it back.

Before I crank on that one, is there an easier way?

I was also wanting to read write values in the config.xml. I suspect there's APIs that will help. And of course there's the messy, 'read text file, re-write new text file' method, but I can't find much on this..

[sub]

I'm coding with VB6

I've been surfing everywhere and found many ways to read and write to ini files, but all of the ways require a key:


Code:
[KEY1]
Value1=thing
Value2=etc
I want to be able to refer to just a Value without a key...

Why?

For example, comskip.ini has values, I'd like to read directly, and there's no Keys. If I add a key to the top, the comments that are 'semi-coloned out' are also retrieved...

I was fairly sure there was a way to do this. Does using a app/section name of "" do it?

[zehd]

I was fairly sure there was a way to do this. Does using a app/section name of "" do it?

Thanks for your reply, sub

I know what you're talking about. I have a reg read write that acts like that...

For ini files Several of the methods, most of which use

Private Declare Function GetPrivateProfileString _
Lib "kernel32" Alias "GetPrivateProfileStringA" _
(ByVal lpSectionName As String, _
ByVal lpKeyName As Any, _
ByVal lpDefault As String, _
ByVal lpbuffurnedString As String, _
ByVal nBuffSize As Long, _
ByVal lpFileName As String) As Long

Private Declare Function WritePrivateProfileString _
Lib "kernel32" Alias "WritePrivateProfileStringA" _
(ByVal lpSectionName As String, _
ByVal lpKeyName As Any, _
ByVal lpString As Any, _
ByVal lpFileName As String) As Long

(Seems I wrote incorrectly before - wasn't the 'key' that I was worried about, but the 'section'... But I think you were with me)

Anyway, I think this API does not allow for a null or empty string for 'Section'.

Doesn't error, just doesn't read or write without a 'Section'

Any other ideas?

[sub]

Sorry, I dont really know. Its not something I've had to do.

[zehd]

I'm pretty sure I remember looking at the Comskip source once.... and it reads and write the entire thing as a text file....

OK. Then that's what I'll be doing too..

----

And I'm starting to see that XML is a .net thing (is it native?)

Anyway, I suppose if I'm writing code for that 'dump the ini into a temp file and write back' solution, I could do the same for the GB-PVR XML, but I don't really like that...

Anyone know of APIs that access the XML, or do I need heavy duty modules, or dll/ocx ?

Thanks

(I suppose it might be time to jump into VB.net - is it difficult to switch? - I know there's an import wizard that's supposed to do quite well, but then I have to retrain MY brain...)

[zehd]

I'm worried that the free version of VB.NET will get me started, hooked, and then a feature that I want is only available in another, purchasable version.

I'm not about to pirate...

I own Enterprise VB6, although I don't really know if I've used anything specifically Enterprise.

BTW, what's wrong with padded rooms?