Limitations of file based system, Database Management System

Assignment Help:

Limitations of File Based System

The file-based system has some limitations. The limitations are listed as follows:

  • Isolation and separation of data: When the data is stored in separate files it becomes complex to access. It becomes very complex when the data has to be retrieved from more than two files as a large amount of data has to be looked for.
  • Duplication of data: Because of the decentralised approach, the file system varies to uncontrolled duplication of data. This is disagreeable as the duplication leads to wastage of a lot of storage space. It also money and cost times to enter the data more than once. For instance, the address information of student may have to be duplicated in bus list file data.
  • Inconsistent Data: The data in a file system can become inconsistent if more than one person changes the data simultaneously, for example, if any student changes the residence and the change is notified to only his/her file and not to bus list. Putting wrong data is also another reason for inconsistencies.
  • Data dependence: The physical structure and storage of data files and records are distinct in the application code. This means that it is very difficult to make changes to the existing structure. The programmer would have to recognize all the affected programs, change them and retest them. This characteristic of the File Based system is known as program data dependence.
  • Incompatible File Formats: As the structure of the files is embedded in application programs, the structure is fully dependent on application programming languages. Therefore the structure of a file generated by COBOL programming language may be quite dissimilar from a file generated by 'C' programming language. This incompatibility makes them hard to process together. The application developer may have to develop software to change the files to some common format for processing. Though, this may be time consuming and expensive.
  • Fixed Queries: File based systems are very much dependent on application programs. Any report or query needed by the organisation has to be developed by the application programmer. With type, the time, and number of queries or reports increases. Producing dissimilar types of queries or reports is not possible in File Based Systems. As a result, in some organisations the kind of queries or reports to be produced is fixed. No latest query or report of the data could be produced.

Besides the above, the maintenance of the File Based System is complex and there is no provision for security. Recovery is non-existent or inadequate.


Related Discussions:- Limitations of file based system

Include the create database command, Submit the SQL Statements necessary to...

Submit the SQL Statements necessary to create your database according to the following guidelines: Your SQL statements should exactly mirror your ERD. All primary keys,

What are the different kinds of database end users, What are the different ...

What are the different kinds of database end users? Discuss the major activities of each? End-Users - End-users are the people whose jobs need access to the database for que

Benefits of using a relational database management system, Question 1: ...

Question 1: a) What is the difference between a non-impact and impact printer? b) Which type of printer is generally used in a supermarket to print your receipt? Describe

Differentiate between key and superkey, Differentiate between Key and super...

Differentiate between Key and superkey? Key and superkey - A key a single attribute or a combination of two or more attributes of an entity set in which is used to identify o

Create a entity-relationship diagrams, This project requires you to create ...

This project requires you to create a database design.  Your design will be documented in a set of Entity-Relationship diagrams.  Draw a set of Entity-Relationship diagrams to mode

Difference between sql and sql*plus, Difference between SQL and SQL*Plus ...

Difference between SQL and SQL*Plus SQL SQL*Plus SQL is a language SQL *Plus is an environment It   is   bas

Describe integrity constraints, Describe integrity constraints? Integr...

Describe integrity constraints? Integrity Constraints - A database is just as excellent as the information stored in it, and a DBMS must therefore help avoid the entry of inc

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd