File Types and Data Storage Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the difference between text files and binary files?

Text files store data in its internal representation, while binary files store data according to a character code.

Text files and binary files are the same thing.

Text files store data according to a character code, while binary files store data in its internal representation. (correct)

Text files can only be created with a text editor, while binary files can be created with any program.

What is the difference between a serial file and a sequential file?

Serial files and sequential files are the same thing.

Serial files contain records without any defined order, while sequential files have ordered records with a unique and sequential key field. (correct)

Serial files have ordered records with a unique and sequential key field, while sequential files contain records without any defined order.

Serial files have a defined number of fields per record, while sequential files do not.

What is a direct-access file?

A file that can be accessed only by using a separate index file.

A file that can only be accessed by reading randomly.

A file that can be accessed randomly without sequential reading. (correct)

A file that can only be accessed by reading sequentially.

What is the denary system used for?

To represent real numbers using exponential notation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fixed-point representation used for?

To define the number of bits for the whole number and fractional parts of a real number. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an index file in direct-access to a sequential file?

To allow direct access to any record in the file. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of item separator characters in a text file?

To separate different data items in the same line. 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.

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.