In __________ file access, the contents of the file are read in the order they appear in the file, from the file’s start to its end.

Question: Explain the sequential file access method and its various steps. Answer: Sequential file access is a method in which the contents of a file are read in the order they appear, from the beginning of the file to its end. The process involves six main steps: 1. Identify the file access method: In sequential file access, the data is read sequentially from the beginning to the end of the file. 2. Opening the file: The file must be opened to create a file pointer, which tracks the current position within the file. 3. Reading data sequentially: Using programming language-specific commands or functions, data is read sequentially, starting from the first item and proceeding through each subsequent item. 4. File pointer movement: As the reading process progresses, the file pointer moves through the file, advancing to the next item after each read. 5. Detecting end of the file: When the file pointer reaches the end of the file, a signal or flag indicates that no more data can be read. 6. Closing the file: After the reading process is complete and all data has been accessed sequentially, the file should be closed to free up system resources and prevent accidental modification or further access.