Usually used to hold basic data like binary files and plain text records, flat files have existed since the middle of the 1970s. Although technology is prone to become outdated, flat files are nevertheless extensively utilized nowadays. To launch and execute correctly, common operating systems including Windows, Linux, and Mac all actually rely on flat files.
If you work in programming, you will most likely come into a flat file database at some point since the technology shows no indication of deviating from trend anytime soon. Below is a quick review of flat file systems together with their advantages and disadvantages as well as their working principles.
What is a Flat File ?
A flat file—which keeps data in a plain text file—is among the easiest methods to store data. Every line of text has one record; tabs or commas will help you define the several fields.
Simple information is kept in flat files. For takeout or delivery, a restaurant might track consumer orders using a flat file database. A company’s HR division might keep staff records on a flat file system.
Unlike a regional database, a flat file database simply contains a single table of fixed-width information. On the other hand, several flat files can be imported and kept on a platform such as Microsoft Access and subsequently included to a regional database if needed.
How Are Flat Files Applied ?
Basic data including usernames, passwords, and contact information is generally kept in flat files—as we mentioned earlier. Sometimes it’s preferable than gathering records buried in hierarchical file folders; with a flat file you can save all records in one location. Since flat files include all of your records in one location, searching through them is really easy. Project managers will thus also find it simpler to import data quickly.
Columns in a flat file database are limited to particular data types and the first row indicates the field name. Delimiters substantially ease the search and editing of records by keeping data formatting at a constant width. Until they are transferred to a database, flat files remain in their digital form; at that time, data will be changed and then stored in another format.
Running Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems is handled by flat file databases; flat file databases are also commonly used to hold consumer data or electronic documentation—that is, corporate contracts, and employee information. Although flat file systems may manage less data, if you are keeping more than a few thousand records they will soon get overloaded. To handle (which we’ll go over further later), occasionally you may have to migrate to a regional database.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Flat Files
For handling smaller projects, flat files’ most often mentioned advantage is that you can keep all of your documents in one location. Simple search keywords will enable you to find what you need and subsequently extract that material.
Many typical office applications also function with flat files, hence the learning curve is generally less than it would be with regional databases. Any text editor can create flat files and work with office programs such as Microsoft Access, FileMaker Pro, and Borland Reflex. Usually, these programs are easy to use even for people without a strong computer knowledge. Microsoft Excel lets you create and work with CSV flat files.
Flat files call for fewer hardware and software components than alternative solutions. This is the reason flat files are used extensively in numerous software applications and main operating systems. Because flat files are lightweight, data movement is far faster and simpler.
Drawbacks
For smaller databases, flat files usually perform well; for managing vast amounts of data, they may be insufficient. The bulk of flat file drawbacks have to do with data set size.
If flat files are managing more data than they are suited for, data duplication becomes a major problem. Working with a flat file runs the danger of producing repeat data since each line can only carry one entry. While regional databases are less likely to duplicate data to start with, duplicates must be discovered and eliminated—often manually.
Updating becomes more difficult the larger the flat file is, particularly if duplicate data problems exist. Changing records in a flat file database usually calls for several updates and flat file databases—especially bigger ones—often involve lengthier search times. All of this can cause updates to drag on for a protracted period.
Flat file databases raise security questions as well. Restricting data in a flat file system makes it challenging as any user who has access to the file has access to all the records. For big businesses with several employees accessing a database, this might be a cause of worry. Everyone, from all walks of life, would have access to possibly private information.
Conclusion :
Although they have long been in use, flat files have not yet become outdated. In some cases, they can even be the better choice for data storage since they remain a feasible one. If you are keeping more than a few thousand entries, though, you may wish to investigate alternative solutions to prevent problems with duplication, lengthier update times, and security risks.
