Flat-File Databases Overview

What type of data is typically used for phone numbers in a database?

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of a flat-file database?

Which of the following is a data type commonly used to store data in a flat-file database?

What is the main difference between a flat-file database and a relational database?

How is data typically retrieved from a flat-file database for use in applications?

What type of database is a single table database called?

What is the term used for a single item of data in a database, such as 'Mercedes' in the context of the F1 Constructors table?

Which of the following options best describes the concept of data integrity?

For a database storing information about F1 Constructors, which of the following could be considered an entity?

What is the significance of defining data types and formats when creating a database?

Which of the following is NOT a data type commonly used in databases?

What is the primary difference between a flat-file database and other types of databases?

In the F1 Constructors table, what would be considered a 'record'?

Flat-File Databases

Flat-file databases store all data in a single table.
This contrasts with relational databases, which use multiple tables linked by relationships.
Basic databases suitable for one or a few users.
Simple structure but limited when dealing with large datasets.

Database Terminology

Table: Holds records and defines database structure.
Record: All data about one item (e.g., one team in the F1 example).
Field: Each type of data (e.g., Team Name, Points).
Entity: Unique classification of data (people, objects, events).
Attribute: Single piece of data within a record (e.g., a team’s points).

Data Types

Text: Character data (short or long); phone numbers often stored as text.
Numbers: Integers, decimals, or scientific notation.
Boolean: True/False, Yes/No, On/Off values.
Date/Time: Combined date and time values with specific formats.
Currency: Specifies the currency symbol and decimal places.
Object: Non-keyboard input data such as images, music files.
Data Integrity: The completeness and accuracy of data. Data types define acceptable input. Format consistency is crucial to prevent errors such as different date formats.

Flat-File Database Limitations

Difficult to manage complex relationships between data.
Not very effective for larger quantities of data and/or multiple users as the database becomes cumbersome.
Can lead to data redundancy and inconsistency, especially as the database grows.
Finding and updating information can become difficult with less efficient searches.

This quiz covers the basics of flat-file databases, including their structure, terminology, and data types. Learn how flat-file databases differ from relational databases and understand key concepts like tables, records, fields, and data types such as text, numbers, and Boolean. Perfect for beginners in database management!