Difference Between File System and DBMS

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Updated on Sep 8, 2023 12:31 IST

Looking to understand the Difference Between File System and DBMS? In this article we will break down the key distinctions between these two data storage methods, including their features, advantages, and limitations.

In this article, we will explore the difference between two critical elements of computing, i.e., file system and DBMS (Database Management System). Understanding the difference between managing, organizing, and retrieving data effectively is essential.

By the end of the article, you will clearly understand how these two systems differ regarding data organization, retrieval, manipulation, security, etc.

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So, let’s explore the article.

Table of Content

Difference Between File System and DBMS: File System vs DBMS
File System
DBMS
Key Differences Between File Systems and DBMS

Also read: What are the Advantages of DBMS?

What is the Difference Between a File System and DBMS?

Parameter	File System	DBMS
Definition	A file system is a method of storing and organizing data into files in a hierarchical order.	Software that stores, manages, and retrieves data efficiently.
Data Organization	Organizes the data in a hierarchical directory.	Organizes the data in a pre-defined structure.
Data Retrieval	It searches entire directories and files to find any specified data.	Uses SQL queries to retrieve the data.
Data Manipulation	Very limited options are available such as renaming and copying.	Have advanced functionality to manipulate the data, such as updating, deleting, and inserting the records.
Scalability	Limited scalability as the size and complexity increase.	Provide scalability as it can handle extremely large amounts of data.
Security	Provide basic file permission for controlling access to files and directories.	Provide robust security measures for controlling access to data.
Backup & Recovery	Require manual backups & recovery of files and data	Provide backup & recovery mechanisms for ensuring data availability and preventing data loss.
Uses Cases	Suitable for simple data storage and retrieval tasks.	Suitable for complex data management tasks such as e-commerce, finance etc.
Example	Cobol, C++	Oracle, SQL

What is a File System?

A file system is a method for storing and organizing computer files and data in a hierarchical structure. It provides a way to store and manage data on hard drives, solid-state drives, and USB drives. It is like a virtual filing cabinet on your computer.

The file method provides basic permission for controlling access to files and directories.
- Folders and sub-folders can be created for better management of files.
It makes finding and accessing specific files easy and efficient.
Examples: NTFS, FAT32, and ext4.

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What is a DBMS?

Database Management System or DBMS is a software that efficiently stores, organises and manipulates a large amount of structured data. It allows users to Create, Retrieve, Update, and Delete data from the database.

It provides a way to store a large amount of data in tabular format, which can be related to each other.
DBMS uses SQL to interact with the database and retrieve data.
It can be used for various e-commerce, healthcare, and financial services applications.
Example: MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server

What are the Key Differences Between File Systems and DBMS?

DBMS organizes data in a table with defined relationships between them, while the file system organizes data in files and folders.
In a file system, manipulation is performed through opening, reading, writing, and deleting files. In contrast, in DBMS, data manipulation is performed through SQL statements like SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE.
DBMS is designed to handle a large amount of data, whereas file system is limited to scalability.
A file system doesn’t provide any mechanism to ensure data consistency, whereas DBMS enforces data consistency through constraints and rules.

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Conclusion

In this article, we have briefly discussed the difference between File Type and DBMS, on different parameters such as managing, organizing, and retrieving data. Hope you will like the article.

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FAQs

What is a File System?

What is DBMS?

Database Management System or DBMS is a software that efficiently stores, organizes and manipulates a large amount of structured data. It allows users to Create, Retrieve, Update, and Delete data from the database.

What are some advantages of using a DBMS over a file system?

1. Improved data sharing and data integration. 2. Enhanced data consistency and accuracy. 3. Better data security and access control. 4. Efficient data retrieval and manipulation. 5. Support for complex queries and data analysis

What are some disadvantages of using a DBMS over a file system?

1. Higher cost and complexity of implementation and maintenance. 2. Possible performance issues and slower data processing. 3. Need for specialized skills and knowledge to manage and use the DBMS. 4. Risk of data corruption or loss in case of system failure.

What is the difference between File System and DBMS?

A file system is a method used for organizing and storing files on a computer's storage medium, while a DBMS is a software system designed to manage and organize structured data in a database. The key difference lies in their approaches to data organization and management.

What are the limitations of using a file system compared to a DBMS?

Using a file system has limitations in terms of data consistency, data redundancy, and query flexibility. Since data is stored in separate files, maintaining consistency across multiple files can be challenging. Redundancy may occur due to the duplication of data across files. File systems also lack the advanced querying capabilities offered by DBMSs, making it difficult to perform complex data retrieval and analysis tasks efficiently.

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About the Author

Vikram Singh

Assistant Manager - Content

Vikram has a Postgraduate degree in Applied Mathematics, with a keen interest in Data Science and Machine Learning. He has experience of 2+ years in content creation in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, and Mac... Read Full Bio