Contents
When would you use a database instead of a flat file?
10 Answers
- Databases can handle querying tasks, so you don’t have to walk over files manually.
- Databases can handle indexing tasks, so if tasks like get record with id = x can be VERY fast.
- Databases can handle multiprocess/multithreaded access.
- Databases can handle access from network.
What is the best reason to use a flat file instead of a database?
You can compile a lot of information in a flat file or a sequence of them. For small databases that require only basic information, flat files are ideal. Since each line can only hold one record, there is the danger of ending up with repeat data.
Is flat file faster than database?
The flat file may be a bit faster, but it will end up being more buggy in the long run, because instead of just doing a SELECT * FROM messages WHERE room=nnn AND ID > yyy , you will have to load the file, parse it, scan each row for the message ID, go to the right message, and then read it out.
What are 4 advantages that a database has over a flat file?
Advantages
- Data Integrity, You Only need to change the data in one of the tables, it will then update itself.
- Data Redundancy, By having a relational databse it ensures that no attributes are repeated.
- Data Consistency, There is no chance of the same attribute being stored in a different format in a different file.
Is MongoDB a flat file?
MongoDB stores data in flat files using their own binary storage objects. This means that data storage is very compact and efficient, perfect for high data volumes. MongoDB stores data in JSON-like documents, which makes the database very flexible and scalable. MongoDB is a document-oriented database model.
How does a flat file database work?
A flat file database is a database that stores data in a plain text file. Each line of the text file holds one record, with fields separated by delimiters, such as commas or tabs. While it uses a simple structure, a flat file database cannot contain multiple tables like a relational database can.
What’s the difference between a flat file and a database?
The flat file design puts all database information in one table, or list, with fields to represent all parameters. A flat file may contain many fields, often, with duplicate data that are prone to data corruption. If you decide to merge data between two flat files, you need to copy and paste relevant information from one file to the other.
Are there duplicate fields in a flat file?
A flat file may contain many fields, often, with duplicate data that are prone to data corruption. If you decide to merge data between two flat files, you need to copy and paste relevant information from one file to the other. There is no automation between flat files.
What are the disadvantages of a flat file?
Placing a million records in a flat file will slow down the opening and closing of the file, plus flat files can only be accessed by a single user at a time, which slows down work processes. Flat files are not a good data storage choice in a fast-paced and growing business environment.
Do you need a DB for flat files?
If they’re media files, go ahead with flat files. You probably just need a DB for tags and some way to associate the “external BLOBs” to the records in the DB. But if full text search is something you need, there’s no other way to go but migrate to a full DB.