Flat files and relational data bases

1. Define flat file databases?

Flat file databases are limited use so only suitable for very simple
databases. It is a record of a product. This is one row in the file/table that
is in the table such as surname, date of birth, product name.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of flat file databases?

Disadvantages:
. Harder to update
. Almost no security
. Non-unique records
Advantages:
. Easy to understand
. All records are sorted in one place
. You can have a standard spreadsheets to store on

3. Define relational databases

A database structured to recognize relations between stored items of
information
4. Advantages and disadvantages on relational databases
advantages:
. easy to use
. good security
Disadvantages:
. harder to make
. harder to make changes to data
5
5.
Customer
1
2
3
Products ID
Product 1
Product 2
Product 3

Relational

First name
Dave
bob
Arthur

Surname
underwood
smith
terry

Product name
Orange
apple
Banana

D.O.B
8/12/00
14/3/01
21/11/00
Cost
45p
75p
55p

Sales ID

Customer ID

S1
S2
S3

2
2
1

Product
ID
P2
P1
P3