While flat file databases can handle a smaller amount of information, they can quickly become overwhelmed if you're storing more than a few thousand records. Flat files remain in their digital form until they are transferred to a database, at which point data will be altered and then saved in different forms.įlat file databases are responsible for running Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems and flat file databases are frequently used to store customer information or electronic paperwork (i.e., business contracts, employee information). Delimiters keep data formatting at a fixed width, which greatly simplifies the process of finding and editing records. In a flat file database, columns are restricted to specific data types and the first row specifies the field name.

This also means it's easier for project managers to import data rapidly. When using flat files, it's very simple to search through your records as they're all found in the same place. With a flat file, you can store all records in a single area, which – in some cases – is better than pulling records buried in hierarchical file folders. How Are Flat Files Used?Īs we touched on above, flat files are often used to store basic information like usernames, passwords, and contact details. Multiple flat files, however, can be imported and stored in a platform like Microsoft Access and then added to a regional database if necessary. The HR department at a company may store employee information in a flat file database.Ī flat file database differs from a regional database in that it can only contain a single table of fixed-width information. A restaurant, for example, may use a flat file database to track customer orders for takeout or delivery. Each line of text contains a single record and you can delimit the various fields by using tabs or commas.įlat files are used to store simple information.

One of the simplest ways to store data, a flat file works by keeping data in a plain text file. Below, we'll provide a brief overview of flat file systems, how they work, and their benefits and drawbacks. If you work in programming, you'll probably encounter a flat file database at some point, as the technology shows little sign of falling out of fashion any time soon. In fact, mainstream operating systems like Windows, Linux, and Mac all use flat files to launch and run properly. While it is not uncommon for technology to become obsolete, flat files remain widely used today. Typically used to store simple information like plain text records and binary files, flat files have been around since the mid ‘70s.

Flat file system