Where to store key-value pair which need to be permanent in Sitecore?

Question

I need to store key-value pair, which will be permanent and updated from time to time. The options which I see, but want to avoid them are:

• add this key to external database,
• store it in Sitecore Item (because, there can be lot of version etc. I see it as problem)
• in memory (when application restart, the key will be lost)

Is there any built-in way to handle that?

Answer 1

Database:
Why do you see external database as an issue? If needed, other sitecore instances or applications that has an access to database can read this value.

File:
Also you can create a config or any txt file that contains this information. Everytime the value is needed it can be read from the file. Assuming you have only one sitecore running.

Sitecore Item:
You can store it under the "system/settings" item where usually sitecore users doesn't have access unless they are administrators. Or you can store it inside core database which is good place to put these kinds of values normally. You can hide the item too and even lock it.