File Organization in DBMS

The logical relationships among the many records that make up the file, particularly in terms of means of identification and access to any given record, are referred to as file organization. Simply put, file organization is the process of storing files in a specific order.

In this article, we will dive deeper into File Organization in DBMS according to the GATE Syllabus for (Computer Science Engineering) CSE. Keep reading ahead to learn more.

Table of Contents

• What is File Organization in DBMS?
• Objectives of File Organization
• Types of File Organization in Data Structure
  • Sequential File Organization
  • Heap File Organization
  • Hash File Organization
  • B+ File Organization
  • Indexed Sequential Access Method or ISAM
  • Cluster File Organization

What is File Organization in DBMS?

The File is a set of documents. We can get to the records by using the primary key. The sort of file organization that was employed for a given set of records can determine the type and frequency of access.

A logical relationship between distinct records is referred to as file organization. This method specifies how disc blocks are mapped to file records. The word “file organization” refers to the method by which records are organized into blocks and then placed on a storage media.

The first method of mapping a database to a file is to employ many files, each containing only one fixed-length entry. Another option is to arrange our files so that we can store data of various lengths. Fixed-length record files are easier to implement than variable-length record files.

Objectives of File Organization in Data Structure

Here are some ways in which file organization helps:

• It has an ideal record selection, which means records can be selected as quickly as feasible.
• Insert, delete, and update transactions on records should be simple and rapid.
• Duplicate records cannot be created by inserting, updating, or deleting records.
• Records should be stored efficiently to save money on storage.

Types of File Organization

There are a variety of ways to organize your files. On the basis of access or selection, these methods offer advantages and disadvantages. The programmers choose the finest file organization strategy for their needs when it comes to file organization.

The following are the different types of file organization:

Sequential File Organization

This is the most straightforward technique of file arrangement. Files are saved in this method in sequential order. Read more on Sequential File Organization here.

Heap File Organization

It is the most fundamental and basic type of organizational structure. It’s based on data chunks. The records are inserted at the end of the file in the heap file organization. The ordering and sorting of records are not required when the entries are added. Read more on Heap File Organization here.

Hash File Organization

The computation of the hash function on some of the fields of the records is used by Hash File Organization. The output of the hash function defines the position of the disc block where the records will be stored. Read more on Hash File Organization here.

B+ File Organization

The advanced way of an indexed sequential access mechanism is the B+ tree file organization. In File, records are stored in a tree-like structure. Read more on B+ File Organization here.

Indexed Sequential Access Method or ISAM

ISAM (Advanced Sequential File Organizing Approach) is an advanced sequential file organization method. Records are stored in the file using the primary key in this way. For each primary key, an index value is created and mapped to the record. The address of the record in any file is contained in this index. Read more on ISAM here.