What is flat file vs database?

Is flat files a database?

A flat-file database is a database stored in a file called a flat file. Records follow a uniform format, and there are no structures for indexing or recognizing relationships between records. The file is simple. A flat file can be a plain text file (e.g. csv, txt or tsv), or a binary file.

What is the relationship between a database and a flat file?

A flat file is a collection of data stored in a two-dimensional database in which similar yet discrete strings of information are stored as records in a table. The columns of the table represent one dimension of the database, while each row is a separate record.

What is the difference between a file and a database?

A File System is a collection of raw data files stored in the hard-drive, whereas a database is intended for easily organizing, storing and retrieving large amounts of data. In other words, a database holds a bundle of organized data typically in a digital form for one or more users.

What is the best reason to use a flat file instead of a database?

The information contained in flat files does not have associated paths or folders. All the records are stored in one place, and the database can be set up with a number of standard office applications. The database is easy to understand, and it is easy to sort the records.