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
And also it may save you down the road.
Sure, your dataset might not be big now but what about in a year's time? It's easier to start out using a database than to have to transition it later.