File Organisation And Access

Question 1

What is a field

Answer 1

a field contains a single data item many fields comprise a record

Question 2

what is a record

Answer 2

A record is a collection of related data fields

Question 3

What is a data file

Answer 3

A data file is a collection of records holding the same type of information but about different objects

Question 4

Characteristics of a file

Answer 4

1) it can be permanent or temporary
2) the records of files are organized on secondary storage

Question 5

Master file

Answer 5

A master file is a permanent file that is kept up to data. it has 2 types of data permanent and temporary

Question 6

Transaction file

Answer 6

A transaction file is a temporary file used to update a master file

Question 7

Primary Key

Answer 7

a primary key is a field in the record whose value is unique to that record

Question 8

Serial Access method

Answer 8

A method of access to data in which blocks are read from the storage medium in the physical order in which they occur, until the required item is reached
e.g tape disk

Question 9

Sequencial Access Method

Answer 9

All Records Must be Read before deleting or amending. Records must be added in correct position

Question 10

Random Access Method

Answer 10

Records can be accessed from any location within the file Without having to read through the entire file

Question 11

Direct access Method

Answer 11

Records can be accessed directly by using the physical location within the file