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 −

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 −

Branch file

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

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.