Hard-coded strings vs Resource file

Question

As the title says then the question is relative simple however I cant decide whether a resource file with strings in is better than hard-coded strings... Whats your opinion?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Main advantage is in localisation. Performance wise resources have a little more overhead but really not much of an issue.

If I am not worried at all about localisation then I would use constants (and not hard-coded strings).

Answer 2

Have a realistic look at your application.

Reasons for resource files:

• Do you support multiple languages? If yes, you will use resource files.
• You are using a mid-size or bigger application and want to use the same Strings all over your web application? => Use resource files and get strong typed access to all your strings application wide

Reasons for hard-coded strings:

• Are you using a small application that will most likely not grow much more and localization is most certain not going to happen. => Hard-Coded Strings