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DMBS

Indexed Sequential Access Method (ISAM) is a database indexing approach developed by IBM in the 1960s that allows for both sequential and random access to records. It consists of three main components: a primary data file, an index file, and an overflow area, which together enhance data retrieval efficiency. ISAM's advantages include efficient data access, support for multiple query methods, and a hierarchical index structure, making it a valuable tool despite some drawbacks.

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49 views8 pages

DMBS

Indexed Sequential Access Method (ISAM) is a database indexing approach developed by IBM in the 1960s that allows for both sequential and random access to records. It consists of three main components: a primary data file, an index file, and an overflow area, which together enhance data retrieval efficiency. ISAM's advantages include efficient data access, support for multiple query methods, and a hierarchical index structure, making it a valuable tool despite some drawbacks.

Uploaded by

donakante07
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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INDEXED

SEQUENTIAL
ACCESS
METHODS (ISAM)
G.HARANI
23H51A66CF
CSM – 06
WHAT IS ISAM ?
.

Indexed Sequential Access Method (ISAM) is one of the


critical indexing approaches in database management, which
enhances fast data retrieval and assures an easy way of
managing the database. Started by IBM in the 1960s, also
known as the Indexed Sequential Access Method, or ISAM,
this method of data storage allowed both sequential and
random access to records using indexes.
Components of ISAM

ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method) efficiently organizes data


using three main components:

1. Primary Data File : Stores actual records, arranged sequentially


based on a primary key for fast bulk processing.

2. Index File : Contains key-to-record location mappings, speeding


up searches with a smaller, structured reference.

3. Overflow Area : Manages additional records when the main storage


is full or when new records arrive out of sequence, ensuring
continuous data accessibility.
Working Mechanism of ISAM

Data Insertion: When a new record is specified, the file where data is stored is updated, taking
the correct sequential order. The basic index, which receives a new record’s key index and its
location in the data file, is where the updating occurs.

Data Retrieval: Once the lookup is undertaken, the computer hardware then scans the primary
index using the initial value. When a data retrieval process needs an index entry it refers to the
pointer that will directly access the necessary data file record.

Data Deletion: Upon the deletion of the record, it is flagged in the data file as such, and the
relative entry in the primary index becomes nonexistent or changes.

Data Updating: This process is comprised of looking through the index to find the record,
upgrading the data file record, and looking through the index for necessary alterations.
Advantages of ISAM
Efficient Data Retrieval: ISAM contributes to the instant
access of data by implementing the indexed method, thus,
avoiding sequential searching.

Supports Both Access Methods: ISAM fusion brings


together sequential and randomness, providing the option to
query the data in both multiple ways.

Hierarchical Index Structure: The secondary indexes with


thehierarchical structurehelps in avoiding omissions during
searching operations of huge databases.
Conclusion

Indexed Sequential Access Method (ISAM) is a strong index method that


combines sequential and random access together by a process to provide data
retrieval in the databases harmoniously. Despite some ISAM drawbacks, the
exceptionally hierarchical indexing structure, great possibilities for the data
retrieval, and high application versatility make it a really important tool to be
used in many purposes.
THANK YOU

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