File-based vs. Database Systems

Question 1

what are File-Based Systems

Answer 1

These store data in individual files within the operating system

Question 2

what is Decentralized Data Storage

Answer 2

It is the characteristic of a File-based system where each app manages its own files

Question 3

what is Fixed File Formats:

Answer 3

It is the characteristic of a File-based system where data is predefined in formats like .txt or .xml

Question 4

what is Minimal Data Abstraction

Answer 4

It is the characteristic of a File-based system where data is easily accessed without the use of DBMS

Question 5

Enumerate the advantages of a File-Based system and explain

Answer 5

Simplicity
- Easy to implement

Low Overhead
- No need for specialized software like DBMS

Direct File Access
- Applications can directly read/modify data

Question 6

Enumerate the disadvantages of a File-Based system and explain

Answer 6

Data redundancy & inconsistency
- the duplication of data due to to multiple applications

Poor data security
- lack of centralized control for enforcing access restrictions

Limited Data sharing
- data can only be shared via manual intervention

Scalability issues
- as data grows it becomes more inefficient

Question 7

What is a Database System

Answer 7

It is what manages a database and stores data in a structured manner via DBMS.

Question 8

Enumerate the characteristics of a database system and explain

Answer 8

Centralized data management
- data is stored in a centralized database

Schema-based design
- data is organized according to a predefined schema

Query language
- Use of SQL to ICRUDOPS curated data

Question 9

Enumerate the advantages of a DB system and explain

Answer 9

Reduced Redundancy and Improved Consistency
- eliminates duplication of data

Efficient Data Retrieval
- quick searches and aggregations via queries

Enhanced Security
- Enforcement of roles and permissions by DBMS

Data Sharing
- Multiple access of data via apps

Scalability
- Supports large-scale data

Backup and Recovery
- Ensures that data is recoverable in case of failures

Question 10

Enumerate the disadvantages of a DB system & explain

Answer 10

Complexity
- only specialized people can set up and maintain a database system

Higher cost
- it is expensive

Overhead
- a DBMS introduces a computational overhead compared to direct file access