A Level Computer Science OCR Practice Exam

A flat file database is characterized by its structure, which typically involves storing data in a single table, where records are saved line by line in a plain text file. Each record in this file can be separated by delimiters such as commas (CSV) or tabs, making it easy to read and parse the data. This simplicity allows for straightforward data management and retrieval without the complexities associated with relational databases that involve multiple tables or complex relationships.

The primary advantage of a flat file database is its ease of use and implementation, suitable for scenarios where the dataset is relatively small and does not require intricate relationships between different types of data. This often aligns with simple applications or systems that need quick access to data without the overhead of a full database management system.

In contrast, other options outline features typical of more advanced database systems, such as XML formatting, multiple table structures, or support for complex querying, which do not apply to the fundamental characteristics of a flat file database.