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Flat Files and Relational Databases

A flat file database stores data in a single table with rows and columns, containing records with fields like names and products. It is simple to use but wastes space through data redundancy as information is repeated. A relational database stores data across multiple tables that can be linked to combine information, reducing redundancy. While more complex to implement, a relational database saves time and storage by eliminating redundant data. Both databases utilize primary keys to identify records.

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132 views2 pages

Flat Files and Relational Databases

A flat file database stores data in a single table with rows and columns, containing records with fields like names and products. It is simple to use but wastes space through data redundancy as information is repeated. A relational database stores data across multiple tables that can be linked to combine information, reducing redundancy. While more complex to implement, a relational database saves time and storage by eliminating redundant data. Both databases utilize primary keys to identify records.

Uploaded by

api-267191972
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Flat

A
table

Flat Files
and
Relationa
l
Database
s

File Database

flat file database contains only one


of data. These include Records
which is the information about the
product or person; this is
represented by a row in the table.
There is also Fields which is the headings of the columns such
as Surname etc. There is limited use to these tables as it is
simple data storage and data often gets repeated. But a Flat
File database does include Primary Key Fields so identify the
person or object.
An advantage of a Flat File database is that it is simple to use
and make and stores lists of information such as names,
addresses, mobile numbers etc.
A disadvantage is that is produces Data Redundancy which is
when data gets repeated and time is wasted typing out the
same information over again which makes the database larger.
Also when a record is deleted, a lot of data that is still useful
might be deleted.
Relational Database
A relational database is when data is not stored in one table like
a Flat File but in multiple tables to show different information
with links between them so the data can be related or
combined together.
An advantage of this is Date redundancy is reduced completely
so it saves time from typing out the same information over and
over again.
A disadvantage is that it is very complicated to produce and
make the table to start this.

Custom
er ID
1

Forena
me
Dave

Bob

Arthur

Product
Name
Cost
..
ID
Surnam
.. Badger
P1
50c

e
Sniffer

P2
Turnip Example
50 of a Relational

Sonar Database:

P3
Flaming
1

Sales IDCowCustomer
Product
million

ID
ID
S1
2
P2
S2

P1

S3

P3

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