ADVANTAGES OF USING DATABASE OVER FILE PROCESSING SYSTEM

ADVANTAGES OF USING DATABASE OVER FILE PROCESSING SYSTEM

1. Accuracy

a) Database removes redundancy in data for data consistency.

b) Error in data transactions will not affect data integrity.

2. Availability

a) Provides centralized data storage for easy access and retrieval.

b) Concurrent access by multiple users is possible.

3. Program-data independence

a) Program and data can be maintained separately.

b) Data can be accessed and shared by different programs.

4. Resilience

a) Data is maintained by the Database Management System which provides automatic management of data.

b) Database provides automatic reovery from system crashes.

c) Enhance data integrity and security through user authentication and access privilege.

5. The disadvantages of a database are:

a) Higher costs

i. Hardware and software incur substantial start-up costs.

ii. Requires conversion costs in moving from a file-base system to a database system.

iii. Organization has to invest in initial training for all programmers and users.

b) Maintenance

i. Database system are complex, difficult, and time-consuming to design and to maintain.

ii. Damage to a database affects many applications.