Sorted File Method
Another method of sequential file organization is sorted file, where files are stored in sorted format either ascending or descending. In a sorted file, records are arranged based on a primary key or attribute, which dictates their sequential order. Adding new records in a sorted file according to the sorting criteria does not affect the overall sequence. It takes less time to search for the previous record.
Imagine a database file as a classroom register, where student records are arranged in ascending order by their unique roll numbers. This “sorted file” method allows for efficient retrieval of specific records, similar to quickly finding a student’s information based on their roll number.
How Insertion Works in Sorted File Method?
- In a sorted file, when a new record arrives, it’s not simply added to the end and then moved later. Instead, it’s inserted directly into its correct position based on a specific key or attribute. This ensures the final sequence remains sorted, enabling fast and efficient searching.
- Let R1, R2, R7, and R8 be four previous records stored in the file based on primary key references, and a new record R3 comes and then it will move forward to its correct position, i.e., after R2.
- A primary key is the unique key or attribute that determines the order of the records within the file. No two records can have the same primary key.
Sequential File Organization in DBMS
Database Management System (DBMS) is a software system that manages the creation, storage, retrieval, and manipulation of data in a structured and organized way. It allows users to perform CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete) and organize data efficiently.
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