Flat File Databases

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Questions and Answers

What is another common name for a flat file database?

  • Relational database
  • Hierarchical database
  • Object-oriented database
  • Text database (correct)

Which organization is credited with the development of flat file databases, and in what decade did this occur?

  • IBM in the 1970s (correct)
  • Microsoft in the 1980s
  • Google in the 2000s
  • Oracle in the 1990s

How are records typically separated within a flat file database?

  • Using delimiters such as tabs and commas (correct)
  • Using complex encryption algorithms
  • By embedding XML tags
  • Through predefined data structures

What is generally considered a primary advantage of using a flat-file database?

<p>Its ease of understanding and sorting results (A)</p>
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Which of the following is a noted disadvantage of flat-file databases when compared to more sophisticated database systems?

<p>They are harder to update and maintain data format (A)</p>
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For which type of tasks are flat file databases typically considered unsuitable?

<p>Complex queries and large-scale data management (A)</p>
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What issue concerning data management is more prevalent in flat file databases compared to DBMS?

<p>Data redundancy and inconsistency (A)</p>
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What functionality is typically a strength of DBMS but a limitation in flat file systems?

<p>Supporting multi-user access (C)</p>
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Which type of business is more likely to utilize a flat file system over a DBMS?

<p>Small business with limited data and resources (A)</p>
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What is a key characteristic that distinguishes DBMS from flat file systems regarding data integrity?

<p>DBMS has fewer redundancy and integrity issues (B)</p>
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What is a primary function of a Database Management System (DBMS)?

<p>To manage and organize data in a structured manner (B)</p>
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What core capability does a DBMS provide regarding data accessibility and security?

<p>It allows users to create, modify, and query data, as well as manage security and access controls (D)</p>
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What fundamental aspect of data handling is a key benefit of using a DBMS?

<p>Storing and retrieving data in an efficient manner (D)</p>
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How do network databases differ from hierarchical databases in structure?

<p>Network databases allow many-to-many relationships, while hierarchical databases use a tree-like structure. (D)</p>
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In object-oriented databases, what is a key feature that encapsulates both data and procedures?

<p>Objects (D)</p>
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What characteristic is unique to cloud databases compared to traditional databases?

<p>They operate in a virtual environment over cloud platforms. (A)</p>
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Which of the following is an example of a cloud platform used for cloud databases?

<p>Amazon Web Services (AWS) (B)</p>
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What setup defines a centralized database?

<p>Data is stored in a single location and accessed by multiple clients. (A)</p>
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What is the defining characteristic of a NoSQL database?

<p>It provides a mechanism for storage and retrieval of data that is modeled in means other than tabular relations. (B)</p>
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In the context of database systems, what does the acronym 'NoSQL' originally stand for?

<p>Non SQL or Non-relational (D)</p>
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Flashcards

Flat File Database

A database stored as a single file, easy to understand and sort.

DBMS

A software system to efficiently manage and organize data in a structured manner.

Cloud Database

A database used for virtual data storage and execution, with cloud computing services for access.

Centralized Database

A database where data is stored in one central location.

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NoSQL Database

A database that provides a mechanism for storage and retrieval of data without tabular relations.

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Flat file database record

A database where each line of the plain text file holds only one record.

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Flat file database origin

A database developed by IBM.

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Flat file database storage

A database where records are all stored in one place.

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Disadvantage of Flat file database

A type of database that is more difficult to update.

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Disadvantage of Flat file database

A type of database in which is harder to change data format.

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Disadvantage of Flat file database

A type of database where redundancy and inconsistency increases.

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Study Notes

  • Flat file databases are also known as text databases
  • They are a common database type used for storing data in plain text files like MS Excel
  • IBM developed the first flat file databases in the early 1970s
  • In flat file databases, each line of the plain text file corresponds to one record
  • Records are separated by the use of delimiters, such as tabs and commas
  • Flat-file databases are easy to understand and sort

Flat File Database: Pros

  • All records are stored in a single place
  • They can be easily understood and configured
  • It is an excellent option for small databases
  • They require less hardware and software components

Flat File Database: Cons

  • Updating is more difficult
  • Changing data format is more difficult
  • Poor performance with complex queries
  • Increased redundancy and inconsistency

Flat File System vs DBMS

  • DBMS supports multi-user access, flat file systems do not
  • DBMS is used by both small and large businesses, flat file systems are typically used by small businesses
  • DBMS has no redundancy and integrity issues, flat file systems do
  • DBMS is more expensive than flat file systems
  • DBMS is able to work with complicated transactions, flat file systems cannot

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

  • Designed to manage and organize data in a structured manner
  • It allows users to create, modify and query, while also managing security and access controls
  • Provides an environment to efficiently store and retrieve data

Types of Databases

  • Hierarchical
  • Network
  • Object-oriented
  • Relational
  • Cloud
  • Centralized
  • Operational
  • NoSQL

Cloud Databases

  • Used where data requires a virtual environment for storing and executing over cloud platforms
  • There are many cloud computing services for accessing data from cloud databases
  • Examples of cloud platforms include: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, and ScienceSoft

NoSQL Databases

  • NoSQL databases are non-relational
  • They provide a mechanism for storage and retrieval of data
  • These databases model data using means other than the tabular relations used in relational databases

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