Question

Discuss the main characteristics (at least 2-3) of the database approach and how it differs from traditional file systems. (5 pts) Give examples of systems in which it may make sense to use traditional file processing instead of a database approach. (these examples may come from your day-to-day use of technology)

Answer 1

Characteristic of data base approach:

1. Represent Some aspect of Real World Application: It represent some features of real world. if any change occurred in real world it will be reflected in database. Suppose we make some change in banking application it will also be reflected in database.

2. Easy to Implement: All operations which we perform on database like insert, delete, update etc. are applied in flexible and easy way. A user having a little knowledge of database can perform these operation easily. It is the most powerful characteristic.

3. Multiple views of database: A view means subset of a database. It can be defined to a particular use of system. Multiple user of system have many different views of same system. A particular view of a system contain the data of interest of a particular user. It is totally depend on how and where a user will store the data of their interest.

4. Logical relationship between records and data: It provides a logical relationship between the records and data. A user can use a simple query to retrieve data depending on some logical condition.

Difference between a Database and Traditional File system:

1. A file system uses manages only physical access while database manage physical as well as logical access to the data.

2. File system has high data inconsistency while database maintains data inconsistency.

3. Structure of file system is simple while structure of database is complex.

4. High redundancy is available in file system but in database the redundancy is low.

5. File system is not so secure while database is much secure.

Example of systems in which it may make sense to use traditional file processing instead of a database approach.

1. Real time navigation system.

2. Single user application that does not required security.(Personal Phonebook).