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Comparison DBS versus file based
Knowing about the characteristics of a database system (unit Characteristics of the
Database Approach and unit Example Applications) we will have a look at file based systems. With a file based approach each user defines and creates with a specific software
the files he needs for a specific application. In comparison to the database system approach this results in some limitations.
Move the mouse over the bold terms to the left and the limitations of the file based approach in comparison to the database
approach are explained in writing (right) and graphics (below).
Using a file based system it is possible that, for example, the
administration of a school maintains information about the registration and fee
payment of the students (e.g. based on a spreadsheet software). Meanwhile the
lecturers manage data about the students and their grades. Even though both user
groups are interested in student data they both might have different files and
different software to update and change these. Such 
redundancy in the definition and storage of data wastes storage
space. Additionally, the work needed to update data in more than one system is
multiplied by the number of systems. In case above a change of basic student
data like the address might need an update in the system of the lecturer and in
the system of the administration as well.
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