Data independence – the database system separates data descriptions from the application programs that use the data in it
Data dependence – description of files, records and data items are embedded within individual application programs.
Data structure can be modified without changing the programs accessing the data
Modification to data files requires the programs which access that file to be modified.
Less program maintenance
High program maintenance
Data are organized in to a single logical structure with logical relationships defined between associated data
File based systems were an early attempt to computerize the manual system. It is also called a traditional based approach in which a decentralized approach was taken where each department stored and controlled its own data with the help of a data processing specialist. The main role of a data processing specialist was to create the necessary computer file structures, and also manage the data within structures and design some application programs that create reports based on file data.
In the above figure:
Consider an example of a student's file system. The student file will contain information regarding the student [i.e. roll no, student name, course etc.]. Similarly, we have a subject file that contains information about the subject and the result file which contains the information regarding the result.
Some fields are duplicated in more than one file, which leads to data redundancy. So to overcome this problem, we need to create a centralized system, i.e. DBMS approach.
DBMS:
A database approach is a well-organized collection of data that are related in a meaningful way which can be accessed by different users but stored only once in a system. The various operations performed by the DBMS system are: Insertion, deletion, selection, sorting etc.
The main difference between file system and DBMS is that the file system helps to store a collection of raw data files into the hard disk while the DBMS helps to easily store, retrieve and manipulate data in a database.
Storing and managing data is an important task for an individual as well as for a large organization. There are various methods to store and manage data. Two of them is by using the file system or the DBMS. A file system is a software that manages the data files in a computer system. On the other hand, DBMS is a software to create and manage databases. Handling a file system is easier than DBMS, but the DBMS provides more advantages than a file system.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is File System
– Definition, Functionality
2. What is DBMS
– Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between File System and DBMS
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
File System, DBMS
What is File System
A file system handles the way of reading and writing data to the hard disk. The file system is installed into the computer with the operating system. Operating systems such as Windows and Linux have their own file system. New Technology File System [NTFS] is the Windows file system. Extended File System [Ext] is the Linux file system. A file such as text file goes through the file system to store into the hard disk. Similarly, the file is read via the file system.
Therefore, there is more data inconsistency. Usually, there is a possibility of data redundancy in a file system because there can be duplicate data. Overall, a file system is simple to handle, but it has some disadvantages such as data redundancy, data inconsistency and less security.
What is DBMS
Database Management System [DBMS] is a software that makes it easier to store, manipulate and retrieve data in a database. A database stores data in tables. Therefore, DBMS stores data according to a structure. DBMS allows users to use Structured Query Language [SQL]. It helps to issue queries to insert, update, select and delete data instantly.
Figure 1: DBMS, MySQL
Using DBMS provides multiple advantages. It reduces data redundancy using normalization. Furthermore, multiple users can access the DBMS at a time. Thus, it supports multi-user environment. Moreover, it helps to perform transactions, backup and recovery and many more.
Difference Between File System and DBMS in Tabular Form
Definition
A file system is a software that manages the data files in a computer system. DBMS is a software to create and manage databases.
Usage
File system helps to store a collection of raw data files into the hard disk. DBMS helps to easily store, retrieve and manipulate data in a database. This is the main difference between file system and DBMS.
Operations
Tasks such as storing, retrieving and searching are done manually in a file system. Therefore, it is difficult to manage data using a file system. On the other hand, operations such as updating, searching, selecting data is easier in DBMS because it allows using SQL querying.
Data Consistency
File system has data inconsistency whereas DBMS provides higher data consistency using normalization.
Data Redundancy
There is more redundant data in a file system whereas there is low data redundancy in a DBMS.
Security
DBMS provides more security to the data than the file system.
Backup and Recovery Process
Backup and recovery process is not efficient in files system because it is not possible to recover the lost data. On the contrary, a DBMS has a sophisticated backup and recovery.
Users
File system is appropriate to handle data of a small-scale organization or individual users. On the other hand, DBMS is suitable for medium to large organizations or multiple users.
Complexity
Handling the file system is simple but handling a DBMS is complex.
Examples
NTFS and Ext are some examples of file systems. MySQL, MSSQL, Oracle, and DB2 are some examples of DBMS.
Conclusion
The difference between file system and DBMS is that file system helps to store a collection of raw data files into the hard disk while DBMS helps to easily store, retrieve and manipulate data in a database. In brief, DBMS provides more flexibility in accessing and managing data than the file system.
Reference:1. Tutorials Point. “DBMS Overview.” Www.tutorialspoint.com, Tutorials Point, 8 Jan. 2018, Available here.