File Systems Vs Database Systems

Traditional File Systems Each file is independent of other file Integration can be done only by writing individual program for each application Any change to the data requires modifying all the programs that uses the data Because each file is hard-coded with specific information like data type, data size etc Identified on a trial-and-error basis

Creates, processes and disseminates its own files. Inventory and payroll generate separate files and do not communicate with each other. Simple to operate Better local control Data of the organization is dispersed throughout the functional sub-systems

Example for File Systems

Disadvantages of Traditional File System Data Redundancy Data Inconsistency Lack of Data Integration Program Dependence Data Dependence Limited Data Sharing Poor Data Control Problem of Security Data Manipulation Capability is Inadequate Needs Excessive Programming

DBMS

Example for DBMS

Advantages of Database Systems Controlled redundancy Data consistency Program data independence Sharing of data Enforcement of standards Improved data integrity Improved security Data access is efficient

Conflicting requirements can be balanced Improved backup and recovery facility Minimal program maintenance Data quality is high Good data accessibility and responsiveness Concurrency control Economical to scale Increased programmer productivity

Disadvantages of Database Systems Complexity increases Requirement of more disk space Additional cost of hardware Cost of conversion Need of additional and specialized manpower Need for backup and recovery Organizational conflict More installational and management cost