Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the difference between text files and binary files?
What is the difference between text files and binary files?
What is the difference between a serial file and a sequential file?
What is the difference between a serial file and a sequential file?
What is a direct-access file?
What is a direct-access file?
What is the denary system used for?
What is the denary system used for?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the fixed-point representation used for?
What is the fixed-point representation used for?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of an index file in direct-access to a sequential file?
What is the purpose of an index file in direct-access to a sequential file?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of item separator characters in a text file?
What is the purpose of item separator characters in a text file?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Types of Files and Data Storage in Computer Systems
- There are two defined file types for storing data for input or output in computer programs: text files and binary files.
- Text files store data according to a character code and can be created with a text editor.
- Binary files store data in its internal representation and are organized based on the concept of a record, which contains fields with values.
- For a text file, the number of data items per line and the number of characters per item must be known, or item separator characters must be used.
- For a binary file, the number of fields per record must be known, and the length of any string fields must be defined.
- A serial file contains records without any defined order, while a sequential file has ordered records with a unique and sequential key field.
- Direct-access files, also known as random-access files, allow access to any record in the file without sequential reading.
- Direct access to a sequential file can be achieved with a separate index file or by using a hashing algorithm.
- Real numbers can be represented in denary system using a simple or exponential notation.
- A binary code must be used to store a real number in a computer system, and fixed-point representation can be used to define the number of bits for the whole number and fractional parts.
- A text file is used for storing data to be used as input to a program, while a binary file is used for storing data to be used as output from a program.
- Serial files are used to record data in time order, sequential files are used for ordered records, and direct-access files allow random access to records.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the types of files and data storage in computer systems with this informative quiz. From understanding the differences between text and binary files to knowing how to store real numbers in a computer system, this quiz covers it all. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced programmer, this quiz will challenge your understanding of file types and data storage in computer systems. So, put your knowledge to the test and see how well you know the ins and outs of computer data storage.
