Differentiate traditional file processing system from database approach?

• Definition.

In simplest terms, a file processing system coordinates only physical access to data. A database organizes and coordinates both physical and logical data access.

• Database advantages.

A database specifically reduces the amount of duplication of data in a system. Additionally, since a database is designed to allow access queries where a file system only allows pre-determined data access, database queries can be far more refined and flexible, as well as granting user access privileges to protect stored data.

Databases, unlike file processing systems, allow multiple users to access the same data simultaneously. File processing systems are far more restricted on this level.

The database's organization makes it far easier to enforce uniform standards over the data because data can be formatted to fit a particular screen, allowing a single type of data file to be created across the system for example.

Database applications are quicker and easier to develop due to standardized components.

Due to their design, databases are far more flexible as well. They can be adapted far more easily to cope with changing situations than a file processing system.

The economy of implementing a database across a huge network is greater than implementing a full file processing system. Databases are essentially easy to install, and are far more user friendly. The latter makes training far easier too.

The ease with which data can be changed across the database makes the provision of up to date information to any and all users of a database incredibly easy.

File processing systems may have problems where the data is in different formats, whilst databases format their data to allow it to work within the database itself.

• Relational Databases.

These are more powerful than a conventional database. They allow easy data access and sharing, with flexible modelling and reduced data storage and redundancy, avoiding many data inconsistencies.

Security procedures are far easier as they are codified within the database. High level data manipulation language can also be used to manipulate and access the data.