Reading Resource Text Files on iPhone

This is mainly an advice question, so any pointers are much appreciated.

I have a text file that I would like to draw on when filling UITableViews. I just don't know when I should actually read the file, or even how. Do I use NSFileManager, or NSFileWrapper, or should I roll my own? Will a Object Placeholder be needed in th开发者_开发百科e Nib file?

The idea is to create an "inventory" system that utilizes a navigation-tableView-tabBar combo.

I've tried to figure out something, but after starting and restarting, I realized I should ask for help.

Specs include Xcode4, some basic understanding, and about 13 different trashed projects.

When and how you read the file will depend largely on the file size. If it is a fairly small file, then you can read it synchronously on -(void)viewDidLoad. If it is larger, then you will need to read it asynchronously and display an activity indicator until the read is finished. Here is a simple method for reading a text file into an NSString:

- (NSString *) getTextFromFile:(NSString *)filePath {
   return [NSString stringWithContentsOfFile:filePath usedEncoding:nil error:nil];
}