What is File Organization in DBMS?

The File Organization can be defined as the logical relationships between

different records in the file. It is mainly related to finding and accessing any
particular record. If we talk simply, file organization means storing files in a
particular sequence for logical control.
However, file organization is a broad term that needs to be adequately
explored before reaching any conclusion. Therefore, this post will talk about
broadly about the file organization in DBMS, Seminar PPT.
What are the different types of file organization?
There are various methods for organizing files with each offering advantages
and disadvantages. It is up to the programmer to select the ideal method
matching their needs. Have a look at the few major types of file organizations
in detail below:
1. Sequential File Organization
The sequential file organization is an extremely simple method of storing
the data components sequentially in the binary format. It supports
different data operations, like insert, deletes, update, and retrieve the
data. The identification gets possible due to the presence of unique data
attributes that also assist in placing the data elements in the required
sequence.

In DBMS, it is known as the logical sequencing for storing the data

components in the computer memory.

For example, there are records stored in a sequential manner on tracks

of a magnetic drum. However, every record has an index assigned to it
for assessing them in a direct manner.

This type of file organization is further divided into two sub-sections we

have mentioned below:

 Sorted File Method

In the sorted file method, the data components are arranged in
ascending or descending order according to the primary keys. There is
 new data component inserted at the file’s end position when we use this
type of file organization in DBMS.

 Pile File Method

The sequential file organization where the data elements are stored in
the order they are inserted is known as the pile file method. It is one of
the most commonly found file organization techniques in DBMS.

2. Heap File Organization

According to programmers, this type is the simplest and easiest form of
file organization. The Heap File Organization works with data blocks.
Here, the records are inserted into the data blocks at the end of the file
without keeping any sorting or ordering in mind. There is a new record
stored in other blocks if a data block doesn’t have any further memory.
Data Records Data Block

S1

S2

S3 56
76
S4

S5

S6

Advantages of Heap File Organization

 If we compare it with sequential records, the fetching and retrieving
record work is performed at a much higher speed.
 It perfectly suits the situation where a high quantity of data is required
to load into the database.

3. Clustered File Organization

The file organization where two or more similar records are stored in a
single file is known as clustered file organization. Here, there are two or
more tables located in the similar data block. It is strongly helpful in
minimizing the expenses of searching and retrieving different records in
various files because they are combined in a single cluster. The main part
of this file organization is the cluster key that joins the table.

Have a look at the below tables to understand clustered file organization

better:

Staff
Staff- Name City Dep_I
ID D
1 Liza London 10
2 Daniel Manchester 11
3 Tim Sydney 12
4 Amy London 13
5 Jazz Mumbai 14
6 Sani Tokyo 15
7 Ali Madras 16

Department
DEP_ID DEP_Name

10 R&D

11 Quality

12 Production

DEP_ID Staff_ID Staff_Name City DEP_Name

11 2 Daniel Manchester Quality
12 3 Tim Sydney Production
 Here DEP_ID is the cluster key using which table can be joined. Using this
type of file organization, the programmers can directly update, insert or
add any record.

There are two types of clustered file organization mentioned below:

 Hash Clusters
In hash clusters, the storing of records are made according to the
hash key value that are generated by programmers.

 Indexed Clusters
Here, the records are managed on the basis of a cluster key that is
mainly used for combining a certain table.

4. B+ Tree File Organization

B+ Tree File Organization involves a highly advanced level of indexed
sequential access techniques for storing files in a database. It has a tree-
like structure where key indexing is used for sorting the records. Here,
traversing becomes very easier and quicker for the programmers.
56

36 20

Look at the above-mentioned example to better understand this type of file

organization
 The root node of the tree is 56
 Further, there is a node on the left side and right sides with the
value of 36 and 20, respectively.
 There will be further values in the leaf node.
This way the leaf nodes get balanced, and searching becomes easier for
programmers.
Advantages of B+ Tree File Organization

 This concept makes searching super convenient and easier

because the records are kept in the leaf nodes and sorted
sequentially.
 Performing commands like insert/update/delete don’t cause any
effect on the performance thanks to a balanced tree structure.
Why is file organization important in DBMS?
There is a huge sort of data stored in the database in the form of files. Every
file has lots of records stored in binary format. File organization is used for
defining these records adequately. Have a look at the main motives of file
organization in detail below:
 It consists of an adequate selection of records to ensure they can be
selected at a quicker rate.
 File organization allows the programmers to add transactions like
update, delete or insert conveniently and quickly.
 Makes sure that duplicate records don’t enter the system due to
commands like insert, delete or update.
 It helps to store the records efficiently for reducing the storage cost to
the minimum level.
We hope that our readers fully understand what file organization in DBMS is.
Do you still have any queries in mind? Don’t forget to tell us in the comment
section!