One of the most important ideas in IB Computer Science is understanding why databases exist. This is explained by comparing flat file systems with databases. Many students can describe both, but struggle to clearly explain why databases are superior for most real-world applications.
IB examiners reward students who can make direct comparisons and justify the use of databases based on efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
What Is a Flat File?
A flat file stores data in a single table or file, usually in a simple format such as:
- Text files
- CSV files
- Spreadsheets
In a flat file:
- All data is stored together
- Each record contains multiple fields
- There are no formal relationships between data items
Flat files are easy to create and understand, which makes them useful for small-scale or simple data storage.
Limitations of Flat Files
As data grows, flat files become inefficient.
Common problems include:
- Data duplication – the same data is stored repeatedly
- Data inconsistency – duplicated data may not match
- Limited searching – complex queries are difficult
- Poor scalability – performance degrades as data grows
- Weak multi-user support – difficult to manage simultaneous access
In IB exams, these limitations are often the key reason databases are introduced.
