Why use a flat file?

Question

A flat file is one of the simplest ways to store data. It keeps the data in a plain text file, with each line of text containing one record. You can use tabs or commas to delimit the various fields within a record. Each record may represent a customer order, employee information or a product, etc.

What is the main advantage of a flat-file database?

Advantages: - You don't need to change multiple records as the files in the database are relationally linked to each other. This also makes it simple to edit and update as the data within each record will automatically be changed as you change one record.

When would you use a flat-file database?

A flat-file database is a database of just one table. It can be created in database software or in a spreadsheet and is often saved as a CSV file.1usernames and passwords.2contact details.3product details.4game or music collections.5entities and attributes.

Where are flat files used?

Since flat files do not require extensive storage space, they are often used in data warehouse and data lake projects to store large volumes of unstructured and semi-structured data.

What is the problem with a flat file?

The problem with the flat file model here is that data has to be stored multiple times. Every department that requires the data must store them in their user environment. Whereas, efficient data storage must store data only once. Storing data in multiple places means more costs to the organization.

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