Hash tables items and data are stored on your PC RAM. Your system can access the RAM much faster than you hard drive (depending on your hard drive speed), thus making the hash tables the superior, quickest method to store info.

Don't get me wrong though...INI file is good for some situations, but there are situations where you need to consider the suitability and efficiency of what you're after when scripting. In other words, you need to think outside the box, not to stick with one aim for scripting and overlook the rest.