Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly storing input data in database form to a compact disc is provided. In one preferred embodiment, input data is provided to a computer via an input device, such as a 9-track tape or a disk drive. A script file descriptive of the characteristics of the input data is generated by a computer operator. A compact disc application development system (CADS) program processes the script file to create applications, indices and databases in accordance with commands from the script file. Undesired duplicative data may be discarded from the input data in accordance with commands from the script file. Additionally, data may be compressed using data compression techniques. The compressed or uncompressed data is then written to the previously created databases and indices. The application programs and related indices are designed to permit multiple field searches of all indexed fixed field data.