Flat File Database

A database kept in a file known as a flat file is referred to as a flat-file database. Every entry has the same format, and there are no systems in place for indexing or determining the links between items. The file is simple to read.

A flat file can be a binary file or a plain text file such as CSV, txt, or TSV file. Although connections cannot be explicitly declared in the database format, they can be deduced from the data in the database. While very big databases can also be flat, the phrase has always denoted a tiny database.

What is a Flat File Database?

Flat File Database is a text database. When storing data in an MS Excel plain text file, this is the most significant kind of database. During the early 1970s, IBM created flat file databases.

The plain text file in the Flat File Database has one entry per line. Using delimiters like tabs and commas, these records are kept apart. A flat-file database has the benefit of being simple to assimilate and efficient in sorting the results.

How Flat File Database Works?

• Data is stored in plain text format in flat file databases, usually arranged into tables.
• Every table has its own file, and every line in the file corresponds to a record or row in the database.
• A delimiter—a comma or a tab—separates the fields or columns that make up a record. Using common file handling methods, creating, accessing, and manipulating data is made simple by the flat file structure’s simplicity.
• Accessible to users without specialized database administration abilities, flat file databases may be built and changed with a spreadsheet program or text editor.

Types of Flat File Database

Below are some types of Flat File Database

• JavaScript Object Notation (JSON): It is a simple data transfer format that is easy to read and write for people. JSON files are perfect for hierarchically storing more difficult data structures since they express data as nested lists and dictionaries, which are identical to arrays and objects in JavaScript.
• Initialization File(INI): INI files are arranged into header-defined parts, with key-value pairs shown underneath each section.
• Comma Separated Values(CSV): These are a type of file that creates tabular data in plain text. They are conceivably the most well-known format. Commas are utilised to separate the various fields inside each record, and each line in the file represents a single record.
• Xtensible Markup Language(XML): It is an adaptable text format that may be utilised to display structured data. Similar to HTML, XML files determine objects and properties using tags, which enables the creation of sophisticated data structures with hierarchical relationships.

Usages of Flat File Database

• Despite offering somewhat basic methods for storing, modifying, and retrieving data, flat files are nonetheless extensively employed in many modern applications.
• Flat-file databases may be created and edited using spreadsheet programmes like Google Sheets and Excel.
• As simple-to-create and simple-to-maintain date files for frequently requested information, including name and address files, membership lists, or class rosters, flat-file databases remain very valuable.
• These are also extensively utilised in data warehouse/data lake and internet of things (IoT) contexts.
• For such uses, the ease of use and minimal overhead of a flat-file database make it a good option for storing large amounts of data that must be kept in their original format.

Features of Flat File Database

• Portability: Flat file databases are ideal for situations where data needs to be shared or migrated since they are simple to move or transfer across systems.
• Simple Data Accessibility: Users without specialised database administration abilities can access and alter data in a flat file database using conventional file handling methods.
• Cost-Effective: Because flat file databases don’t need expensive database management systems or specialised hardware, they are frequently less expensive than typical relational databases.
• Flexible Data Structure: Because flat file databases lack a strict schema, their data structures may be more flexible and it is simple to add or remove fields as needed.

Advantages of Flat File Database

Below are some advantages of Flat File Database

• Flexibility: Text, numeric, and graphical data may be stored in flat file databases, which can be utilised for a variety of purposes.
• Human-readable: Data may be more easily inspected, debugged, and edited directly without the need for specialised tools thanks to formats like CSV, JSON, and YAML.
• Simplicity: Because flat file databases just have one table containing a list of information, they are straightforward and simple to set up. They don’t need any specialised software or intricate programming.
• Rapid Development and Testing: Flat files’ ease of use may greatly accelerate software projects’ development and testing stages, enabling more rapid iterations and prototype stage simplifications.

Disadvantages of Flat File Database

Below are some disadvantages of Flat File Database

• Data redundancy: Since flat file databases only have one table, several entries containing the same information may result in data redundancy.
• Restricted functionality: The complicated queries that flat file databases can execute, including merging many tables or filtering data according to particular standards, are constrained.
• Cost: Maintaining and licencing a flat file database can be costly, especially for large scale applications.
• Security: Compared to relational databases (RDBMS), flat file databases are more receptive to security threats including unauthorized access or data loss.

Difference Between Flat File Database and Relational Database

Flat File Database	Relational Database
Data redundancy is an issue in flat file databases.	Data redundancy is not an issue with a relational database.
Numerous software programmes can access a flat file database.	Data access in relational databases is accomplished by a Relational Database Management System.
Typically, a flat file consists of a table with rows of data.	A relational database is made up of several tables with rows and columns that identify connections between various types of data.
In flat files,there is no built-in system for maintaining data integrity.	In order to guarantee that data is saved consistently and accurately, relational databases employ primary and foreign keys to maintain data integrity.

Conclusion

In this article we have leaned about Flat File Database. With just one table holding a list of entries, flat file databases are straightforward and quick to set up. Complex programming or specialized software is not needed for them.

Frequently Asked Questions on Flat File Database – FAQs

What are flat file databases most useful for?

Importing data for data warehousing initiatives often involves utilizing flat file databases.

Why is it called a flat file?

A flat file database is a collection of records where each record has a consistent format and, if necessary, adheres to value type restrictions.

What file formats exist with flat-file database?

Many alternative formats, including the previously mentioned XML and CSV formats, can include data in flat files. Additional forms include of tab-separated, fixed-width, and name and value pairs.

Are flat files secure?

Compared to relational data stores, flat-file data storage are typically less secure.