flat file database is a database that stores data in a plain text file. Each line of the text file holds one
record, with fields separated by delimiters, such as commas or tabs. While it uses a simple structure, a
flat file database cannot contain multiple tables like a relational database can. Fortunately, most
database programs such as Microsoft Access and FileMaker Pro can import flat file databases and use
them in a larger relational database.
Flat file is also a type of computer file system that stores all data in a single directory. There are no
folders or paths used organize the data. While this is a simple way to store files, a flat file system
becomes increasingly inefficient as more data is added. The original Macintosh computer used this kind
of file system, creatively called the Macintosh File System (MFS). However, it was soon replaced by the
more efficient Hierarchical File System (HFS) that was based on a directory structure.
flat-file database is a database stored in a file called a flat file. Records follow a uniform format, and
there are no structures for indexing or recognizing relationships between records. The file is simple. A
flat file can be a plain text file, or a binary file. Relationships can be inferred from the data in the
