File-Based Data Management System
A file-based data management system (also called a file system) is a type of software that allows
users to access and organize small groups of data. It is usually integrated into a computer’s operating
system and is responsible for storing and retrieving files from a storage medium, such as a hard
disk or flash drive. File systems are effectively a digitized version of paper-based filing systems for a
wider range of file types.
FILE SYSTEM VS. DBMS
Whereas a file system is a type of software that’s responsible for maintaining whole files in a storage
medium, a database management system (DBMS) is a software application through which a user
interacts with a database. In a file system, all of the files are organized into directories and folders,
and sometimes the same file can be duplicated across multiple locations. This means there’s a much
greater chance of data inconsistency with file systems. Plus, file systems typically have a drastically
smaller capacity than a DBMS and can only modify the metadata of a specific file rather than its
contents. Examples of file systems include Microsoft’s NTFS and Apple’s Hierarchical File System.
Assignment: List and explain some examples of file system?
A DBMS, on the other hand, is a much larger application that can manipulate large quantities of data
in complex ways. It usually has more advanced security features to protect the data it contains and
offers backup and recovery in the event of data loss, unlike a file system. A DBMS is usually much
more expensive and complicated to implement than a file system, however. Prominent DBMS
products include MySQL, IBM DB2, and Amazon RDS.
ADVANTAGES OF FILE-BASED SYSTEMS
Advantages of file-based systems include:
Easy to use
Inexpensive
Faster performance
Suitable for personal data management
DISADVANTAGES OF FILE-BASED SYSTEMS
Disadvantages of file-based systems include:
Limited capacity
Limited functionality
Less security
Greater data inconsistency
No backup or recovery capabilities
Database Approach for Data Management:
The situation demanded proper management of data. At this point of time, a new technology was
introduced i.e. Database.
The management system of this database is called a database management system. DBMS removes
the main constraint for handling data. It allows users to have a hassle-free process for data fetching.
Database: It is a collection of inter-related data which contains the information of an
organization/enterprise. It is obtained by collecting data from all the data sources of an organization.
The database is a computer-based record-keeping system whose overall purpose is to record and
maintain information.
DBMS: It is the software that is used to manage & maintain data/information in the database. By
using DBMS, we can create new databases, new tables, insert, update, delete and select the data
from the database.
What are the Advantages of DBMS?
To avoid data redundancy
To avoid data inconsistency
Easy to manipulate data
Easy to accessing data
The main motto of the database is to maintain the ACID Property of the database. What does really
ACID mean?
1. ‘A’ stands for Atomicity. All the data in the database is to be Atom in nature. Any kind of data
redundancy is not acceptable in any condition. Duplicate data are to be removed from the
database.
2. ‘C’ stands for consistency. Any kind of inconsistency of data may lead to failure. so all the
inconsistent data are to be removed from the database.
3. ‘I’ stands for Integrity. Data are to be integrated in order to manage the stability of the database.
4. The last part of the database is Durability. The effect of the change is made in the Database is to
be sustained in terms of results. A durable result is desired to be found in the database.
