File-based vs. Database Systems

File-Based Systems

Stores data in individual files within an OS.

Decentralized Data Storage

Each application manages its own isolated files.

Fixed File Formats

Data stored in .txt, .csv, or .xml formats.

Minimal Data Abstraction

Files accessed directly without a DBMS layer.

Simplicity

Easy implementation for small-scale systems.

Low Overhead

No specialized software needed for storage.

Direct File Access

Applications read or modify data directly.

Data Redundancy

Duplicate data across multiple applications.

Poor Data Security

Lacks centralized control for access restrictions.

Limited Data Sharing

Difficult to share data without manual intervention.

Complex Data Retrieval

Inefficient searching and filtering compared to databases.

Scalability Issues

Inefficient as data volume increases.

Database Systems

Stores data in a structured manner via DBMS.

Centralized Data Management

All data stored in a single, centralized database.

Schema-Based Design

Data organized by predefined tables and relationships.

Query Language

SQL used for data retrieval and management.

Reduced Redundancy

Centralized storage eliminates data duplication.

Efficient Data Retrieval

Optimized queries enable quick searches and aggregations.

Enhanced Security

DBMS enforces access permissions and roles.

Data Sharing

Multiple applications access the same database simultaneously.

Scalability

Supports large-scale data with indexing and replication.

Backup and Recovery

Built-in mechanisms for data recovery after failures.

Complexity

Requires expertise to set up and maintain.

Higher Cost

Significant costs for licensing and maintenance.

Overhead

DBMS layer adds computational overhead.