fast startup of the plugin

[fossfreedom]

Came across this stackoverflow Q&A about pickle and saving whole class data:

• http://stackoverflow.com/questions/2345151/how-to-save-read-class-wholly-in-python

Looks interesting - is it possible to "pickle" the major data-loading classes such as those in coverart_album.py ?

Maybe concentrate on the album, tracks and model classes.

if it is - the plugin will effectively startup instantly without any major data-loading activities.

We'll need a "clear on next startup" option on the properties menu to allow a complete reload of data.

Anyway - quick tests on a very simple class shows that it works. However - really, this may be difficult to-do without some complex re-engineering. Add this as a wishlist item.

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[fossfreedom]

Doubtful pickle the correct way to go now. Lets look at TDB (we are already using this in coverart-search-providers).

Think about saving album & track info into the TDB - serialise the classes. Any updates causes updates to the database.