Flat-File Databases Overview

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Questions and Answers

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

  • Decimal
  • Integer
  • Boolean
  • Short Text (correct)

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

  • Limited data integrity
  • Scalability issues
  • Flexibility in data structure (correct)
  • Difficulty in complex data analysis

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

  • Network
  • CSV (correct)
  • Hierarchical
  • Relational

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

<p>Relational databases use tables to organize data into relationships. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Through direct file reading and parsing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of database is a single table database called?

<p>Flat-file Database (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>Attribute (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The accuracy and consistency of data in a database. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Red Bull Racing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It helps to ensure data integrity and consistency. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Network (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Flat-file databases store data in a single table. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>All data related to a specific team, including its name, driver names, and points. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Short Text Data Type

A data type for inputting text under 256 characters, commonly used in databases.

Phone Number as Text

Phone numbers are often treated as text to preserve leading zeros which may be lost in numeric formats.

Boolean Data Type

Used to enforce two options: typically TRUE/FALSE or ON/OFF.

Date/Time Data Type

Combines date and time into one field, allowing for various formats like DD/MM/YYYY.

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Flat-file Database

A simple database model using a single file for storing data with limitations on complexity and relationships.

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Table

A structure that holds records and fields in a database.

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Record

All the data about one item within a database table.

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Field

A specific category of data within a record, like TeamName.

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Entity

A unique classification of data, such as people or objects.

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Attribute

A single data item related to an entity, like 'Points' for a team.

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Data Type

The category of data, such as text, numbers, or dates.

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Data integrity

The accuracy, completeness, and correctness of data in a database.

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Study Notes

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.

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