Comparison DBS versus file based
Knowing about the characteristics of a database system (unit Characteristics of the
Database Approach and unit Example Applications) we will have a look
at file based systems. With a file based approach each user defines and creates
with a specific software the files he needs for a specific application. In
comparison to the database system approach this results in some
limitations.
Move the mouse over the bold terms to the left and the
limitations of the file based approach in comparison to the database approach
are explained in writing (right) and graphic (below).
Using a file based system it is possible that, for example, the administration of a school maintains information about the registration and fee payment of the students (e.g. based on a spreadsheet software). Meanwhile the lecturers manage data about the students and their grades. Even though both user groups are interested in student data they both might have different files and different software to update and change these. Such redundancy in the definition and storage of data wastes storage space. Additionally, the work needed to update data in more than one system is multiplied by the number of systems. In case above a change of basic student data like the address might need an update in the system of the lecturer and in the system of the administration as well.