Distinguish between flat files and databases (dbms)?

Let’s discuss flat and database definition before understanding the difference between flat files and databases.

Flat files

A flat file contains records which have no structured interrelationship. They are typically called as a text file, where all word processing, structure characters and markup have been removed. A flat file represents a table with a single record per line. Generally, it is a type of database that stores data in a plain text format.

Database

The related information when placed in an organized form that makes a database or an organized collection of related information is called a database.

For example − Dictionary, Telephone directory etc.

Differences

Following are the differences between flat files and database:

Difference with respect to data storage

Data storage is a way of keeping information in the memory storage for use by a computer. An example of data storage is a folder for storing Microsoft Word documents.

Flat files − File size is limited and we need many files to store relevant data. Since data is spread across files it is a time-consuming process to look into all files to get the required data.

An example for the data stored in one file is as follows −

Student	Branch	Teacher
Pinky	CSE	Mr.Bob
Hari	CSE	Mr.Bob
Kittu	ECE	Mr.Pratap
Jim	ECE	Mrs.Jhansi

Here,

In the flat file, the storage space is wasted. CSE branch teacher is stored twice.
We can also see that in the above table, there exists a problem of inconsistency with regards to the flat files. There arises a question as to who is ECE branch teacher.

Database − Data related to the same is stored in one single place. It is easy to look into a single place to get all required data.

For example − In a database, data is stored in multiple linked tables.

Consider the student file as shown below −

Student	Branch
Pinky	CSE
hari	CSE
Kittu	ECE
Jim	ECE

Branch file

The branch file with details about branch and its respective teacher is given below −

Branch	Branch Teacher
CSE	Mr.Bob
ECE	Mr.Pratap

Difference with respect to data retrieval

Data retrieval is the process of identifying and extracting data from a database, based on a query given by the user.

Flat files − Data in flat files are stored in an unstructured way because of which retrieval becomes difficult.

For example − A bunch of different vegetables are placed in one big basket. If we want to pick chilies from the basket, it will be very difficult as it is a time consuming job.

Database − Retrieval is easy since data is stored in structured way in the form of rows and columns

For example: The meaning of structured way is that all the vegetables in the supermarket are arranged in a proper manner, so that searching, inserting, deleting a particular vegetable becomes very easy.

Difference with respect to data security

Data security is the process of protecting the data from unauthorised persons.

Flat files − Text files having confidential information stored in a desktop can be viewed by anyone who has access to the system. Therefore, data security is low in flat files.

For example − The general example to explain the flat file security is hiding or saving the money in an open bag, so that everyone can view the money.

Database − Data security is high because data stored in databases have login credentials to view permitted data.

For example − Storing or saving the money in a locker which provides more security, so the database is also like a locker.

Important point

In mobile phones, flat files still exist because retrieving them is easy. Here, the storing capacity is low and security is also low.

Bhanu Priya

Updated on: 2021-07-03T08:15:56+05:30

3K+ Views

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