Describe the following file organization methods:
i) Sequential
ii) Indexed sequential
iii) Random.
Answer:
- Sequential-file organization method where records are stored and accessed in a particular order using a key field. Retrieving data requires searching one record after another from the beginning of a file.
- Indexed sequential-records are stored in physical sequence based on an index. An index is used to enable the computer to locate individual records on the storage media. Retrieving data requires searching record after a record using an index.
- Random-it’s a file organization method where records are stored arbitrarily without any clear relationship among them. The records are accessed directly using a record key which determine where a record is stored on the storage media.