Using data queues and using database files differ in many ways.
- Data queues have been improved to communicate between active procedures
and programs, not to store large volumes of data or large numbers of entries.
- Data queues should not be used for long-term storage of data. For this
purpose, you should use database files.
- When using data queues, you should include abnormal end routines in your
programs to recover any entries not yet completely processed before the system
is ended.
- It is good practice to periodically (such as once a day) delete and re-create
a data queue at a safe point. Performance can be affected if too many entries
exist without being removed. Recreating the data queue periodically will return
the data queue to its optimal size. A more efficient approach may be to use
the auto reclaim feature.