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Chapter 6: Problem 5

What are the two types of file access? What is the difference between these two?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Short Answer: The two types of file access are sequential access and random access. Sequential access reads data in a linear order, one record at a time, which is commonly used in tape drives and text files. Random access allows for direct access to any record without needing to read data sequentially, making it faster for individual record access. It is used in hard disk drives and database files. The main differences include: access method, speed, use cases, and complexity. Sequential access is a simpler method for data reading and writing, while random access requires more sophisticated organization and memory management.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Two Types of File Access

The two types of file access are sequential access and random access.
02

Describe Sequential Access

In sequential access, data is read or written one record at a time, in a linear or sequential order. This means that if you want to access a particular record, you must read all records before it. Sequential access is commonly used in devices such as tape drives and for reading from or writing to text files.
03

Describe Random Access

In random access, data can be read or written directly at any location without needing to read the data sequentially. This method allows for faster access to individual records because you do not need to read through all the records before it. Random access is commonly used in devices such as hard disk drives and for handling database files.
04

Compare Sequential and Random Access

The main differences between sequential access and random access are: 1. Access method: Sequential access reads data in a linear order, while random access allows direct access to any record. 2. Speed: Random access is generally faster when accessing individual records because you do not need to read through all the records before it. 3. Use cases: Sequential access is commonly used in devices such as tape drives and for reading and writing to text files, while random access is used in hard disk drives and for handling database files. 4. Complexity: Random access requires more sophisticated data organization and memory management, whereas sequential access is simpler and easier to implement.

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