The database approach to storing and managing data overcomes several limitations of the file-based approach to data storage. Here are some of the main ways in which the database approach addresses these limitations:
- Data redundancy and inconsistency: The database approach eliminates data redundancy and inconsistency by storing data in a centralized and integrated manner, rather than in multiple, separate files. This means that data is stored only once in the database, and it is accessed and updated consistently across all applications and users. This reduces the risk of errors, inconsistencies, and duplications, and it improves the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the data.
- Data isolation and integration: The database approach supports data isolation and integration by providing mechanisms for separating the data from the applications that use it, and for integrating the data from multiple sources and applications. This means that the data is independent of the applications that use it, and it can be accessed and updated by multiple applications and users without interference or duplication. This increases the flexibility, scalability, and interoperability of the data, and it reduces the complexity and maintenance costs of the applications.
- Data security and integrity: The database approach provides robust and comprehensive security and integrity features to protect the data from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion. This includes features such as user authentication, access control, data encryption, data backup and recovery, and data integrity constraints. This enhances the confidentiality, availability, and reliability of the data, and it reduces the risk of data breaches and losses.
- Data access and performance: The database approach optimizes the data access and performance by providing efficient and scalable indexing, querying, and updating mechanisms for the data. This means that the data can be accessed and modified quickly and efficiently, regardless of the size and complexity of the data. This improves the responsiveness and performance of the applications that use the data, and it increases the productivity and satisfaction of the users.
Overall, the database approach to storing and managing data offers many advantages over the file-based approach, including reduced redundancy and inconsistency, improved isolation and integration, enhanced security and integrity, and optimized access and performance.