Yes, this is as stupid a situation as it sounds like. Due to some extremely annoying hosting restrictions and unresponsive tech support, I have to use a CSV file as a database.
While I can use MySQL with PHP, I can’t use it with the Python backend of my program because of install issues with the host. I can’t use SQLite with PHP because of more install issues, but can use it as it’s a Python builtin.
Anyways, now, the question: is it possible to update values SQL-style in a CSV database? Or should I keep on calling the help desk?
Don’t walk, run to get a new host immediately. If your host won’t even get you the most basic of free databases, it’s time for a change. There are many fish in the sea.
At the very least I’d recommend an xml data store rather than a csv. My blog uses an xml data provider and I haven’t had any issues with performance at all.