What is a flat-file database?

A flat-file database is defined as a type of database that stores data in a plain text format, typically with each record on a new line and fields separated by a specific delimiter (such as a comma or tab). This simplistic structure allows for easy readability and accessibility, as the data can be viewed and manipulated using basic text editors.

One of the distinguishing features of flat-file databases is their lack of complex interrelationships between data, which makes them different from relational databases that use connections between tables through relational keys. Flat-file databases are suitable for simpler datasets where the overhead of a relational structure is unnecessary. They are straightforward to implement and can be advantageous for small applications or tasks where advanced querying capabilities or multi-dimensional data are not required.

In contrast, databases that support complex queries or utilize multi-dimensional arrays are more complex and designed to handle more intricate data structures and relationships. Relational databases involve a schema that includes relational keys to link data across different tables, allowing much more complex data relationships than what is possible in a flat-file database. Thus, the identification of a flat-file database as one that stores data in a plain text format underlines its simplicity and ease of use for certain applications.