FILE STRUCTURE AND DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

FILE STRUCTURE AND DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Conventional / Traditional file structure / standard files – This is a file structure that maintains many different files and each file has a different format which is managed by a different application program. E.g. a learning institution will maintain many different files to support different applications such as students’ files for students’ records, an examination file for examination details etc.

Limitations of the traditional file structure
1. Lack of data integrity:

This refers to the accuracy, completeness and consistency of data. In the conventional or traditional structure, the data lacks integrity because in case of any changes, many mistakes are made due to the numerous numbers of files.

2. Data redundancy / duplication:

this refers to the situation where certain data items may
appear more than once in many files e.g. Student name will be repeated in all files.
Redundancy causes the following problems:
i. High storage cost
ii. Performance Problems
iii. Integrity problems
iv. Wastage of valuable storage space

3. Low data access speed: because these systems maintains very many files. It takes longer to retrieve a record of interest.
4. High development and maintenance: It is an expensive method to develop and maintain because of the many files that are kept.
5. Lack of data independence: This refer to the fact that it is not possible to modify the data structure without modifying the program where created. This complicates system maintenance.

Benefits
Potential problem of unauthorized access is minimal.