Sql vs flat files

Flat file systems are plagued with many problems some call them anomalies , including the following among others :. The problem is that many people know how to use a spreadsheet.

Setting up a flat file is easy. Thanks for your thoughtful response. The things you say make a lot of sense. I recently took the introduction to Angular course where we built a todo list without a database and I started the MEAN course that involves building a todo list with a database. I'm sure what you're saying is exactly right that if it's an informal app e.

I know it probably "depends" but I'd be interested in your thoughts on this topic. Re RDBMSs: If you are creating a web site for an airline with flights a day, and allow reservations a year in advance, etc.

And it is used by a lot of web sites. Although Microsoft Access or OpenOffice DB are great for learning, and have interfaces that make queries "drag-and-drop", you don't want to consider using either of them for any web sites. Re NoSQL. I can't say. I'm looking into MongoDB, but don't have enough experience yet to say. Since it's being used by some big companies, however, I assume it has a lot going for it. They also depend on specific tools to view and to interpret the information contained in them.

In relational databases, information is stored in a randomized manner, only to be organized on retrieval. As opposed to flat files, relational databases can address more dynamic queries. There are many advantages to relational databases.

Data only needs to be stored a single time, which can eliminate duplication, resulting in a more efficient storage method as well as create an ease in making changes to the data and the data format. It can also provide an increased level of security, due to the possibility of splitting data into separate tables, limiting access to authorized viewers. There are, however, certain disadvantages to using relational databases.

For one thing, since they tend to be complex structures, they require specific skill sets to use, and often require prior training. Flat File Databases: Pros and Cons The flat file database structure was created during the earliest use of computer processing. Even though comma-separated values files. SSIS Flat Files require parsing and validation, while the data in Raw Files are stored in native format and requires no translation and little parsing. You can read this article for more details:.

Raw Files are very useful for implementing parallel data import logic since you can split a file over multiple Raw Files then import them in parallel. On the other hand, Raw Files cannot be edited or consumed outside of SSIS, which makes them only usable for data staging purposes.

In conclusion, if you need to export data into a file for use in other systems or to be published, you will be best served with a data format that is widely used like SSIS Flat Files. Author Recent Posts.

Hadi Fadlallah. Hadi is an SQL Server professional with more than 10 years of experience. His main expertise is in data integration.