Databases

A large collection of data items and links between them, structured in a way which allows it to be accessed by a number of different application programmes.

• Database software allows data to be entered and stored in a structured way
• Database management systems keep the data seperate from the programmes so it can be accesed using different software
• Databases used by businesses and organisations are called relational databases

Flat-file systems

• Computerised card box file
• Single card used to store one record
• Complete information about a product
• Only contain one table of data
• Unsuited where felxability is needed
• Set up using a spreadsheet software 

Problems

• Alot of duplicate data in the table
• When a record is deleted a lot of data which can still be useful may be deleted

Difference between a flat-file and relational database

• Relational database don't store all data in a single file or table 
• Data…