Context: SQL Server 2008, C#
I have an array of integers (0-10 elements). Data doesn't change often, but is retrieved often.
I could create a separate table to store the numbers, but for some reason it feels like that wouldn't be optimal.
Question #1: Should I store my array in a separate table? Please give reasons for one way or the other.
Question #2: (regardless of what the answer to Q#1 is), what's the "best" way to store int[] in database field? XML? JSON? CSV?
EDIT: Some background: numbers being stored are just some coefficients that don't participate in any relationship, and are always used as an array (i.e. never a value is being retrieved or used in isolation).
The "best" way to store data in a database is the way that is most conducive to the operations that will be performed on it and the one which makes maintenance easiest. It is this later requirement which should lead you to a normalized solution which means storing the integers in a table with a relationship. Beyond being easier to update, it is easier for the next developer that comes after you to understand what and how the information is stored.