Why do so many programs use rational databases instead of loading the data during startup and keeping it in memory? Especially for smaller datasets I would think, that a database adds unnecessary complexity and overhead. Also, a lot of data can be saved using modern RAM and when using an in-memory approach, optimized data structures can be utilised to further improve the performance
Partially, because experience in an area means one can understand the answer, but to a probably bigger part see below.
It read to me like they asked as if they know better than everyone else, and were ranting about others doing it wrong. But that was actually an assumption on my part, and may simply be their style, or even me completely misreading things. So thanks for calling me out on it.