What is a flat file?
Flat file is a collection of information stored and accessible gradually in the database, often created to store information in an unstructured way. For example, the leaves of the detached value (CSV) commas represent information with each field separate from the next comma. While the flat file offers some advantages, often makes a large amount of data quite cumbersome for storage and access. Most databases used today are relational systems that use structured questions to get information and its presentation to the user.
How does it work
In order to create a functional model of a flat file data file, all relevant record information must be stored in the same file. For example, in the CSV sheet, the data contained in the file does not apply to any application -specific formats; Only the comma indicates the end of one field in the record. Each record is written on a row in the file, allowing all data for one record separate from the other records.
takoDatabases can quickly become very large and difficult to manage because of the simple way they are organized. Many modern data models use connected tables to organize related data. This makes such information easier to find and more flexible for work.
using flat system
If the customer calls the company to enter the order, then someone enters their information in a table or database. The same person or someone else, then enter information for this particular command. The flat file system can save all this information for the customer in one file.
However, this is not necessary to maintain multiple files: one for the customer and one for each individual order. Order information stored in one flat file is not associated with the customer information stored in another. These files are not connected in any way using PLOThe database of files to find customer information can easily miss other orders files.
weaknesses of this system
Because each record must be completed in itself, a flat file system usually leads to very large files or lack of connection between information in it. A common database used today is a relational database. This model allows information in one table to related to other tables using key fields that exist in each of them. More tables are connected by these fields, allowing each one to have only part of the total necessary information.
relational database
The same example of the customer above could look quite different in the relational model. When the customer calls on order, someone enters their information in the "Customer" table in the database. Another person can then enter information for his order in a separate table. Each of these tables includes a field that is a Cnavzaje. It means thatSomeone can use the system easier to find all information for the customer, including the overall history of orders.
continuing use
Flat file databases have certain uses, although the functionality of this data model is not as effective as faster and relational access. Simple systems can easily contain basic information for fast database. The lack of connected fields also eliminates errors that may arise from missing tables, so many download databases use this format to prevent these problems.