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Understanding Computer File Concepts

This document defines key computer file concepts and terms. It explains that a file is a collection of related records containing fields and data items. A record contains one or more related fields, with each field holding a data item like a name, age, or address. Data items can be elementary, containing a single piece of data, or group items, containing sub-items. The document also outlines different types of data and file structure organization.

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5K views9 pages

Understanding Computer File Concepts

This document defines key computer file concepts and terms. It explains that a file is a collection of related records containing fields and data items. A record contains one or more related fields, with each field holding a data item like a name, age, or address. Data items can be elementary, containing a single piece of data, or group items, containing sub-items. The document also outlines different types of data and file structure organization.

Uploaded by

power2014
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CONCEPT OF COMPUTER FILES

OBJECTIVES
Define some basic terms with respect to computer

files. List and explain various types of data items Construct a simple sketch for the computer file structure.

Definition of terms
Database: A database is integrated collection of

related files such as student database. File: A file is a logical collection of related records (with the same fields) for a set of occurrence. Record: A record is a collection of related field (data items) Field: A field is collection of related bytes that forms meaningful data items such as name, age address etc.

Data Item: is a unit of data contained in a record,

describing a particular attribute( such as name, age, address etc) and requiring one or several bits , bytes or words to represent an entity. Data item that can be divided into sub-item are called group item. E.g. Name (first name, middle name and last name) Data item that cannot be divided into sub-item are called elementary item. E.g. age

Byte: A byte is a collection of related bits. A byte is

equal to one character. Bits: A bit is an acronym for binary digit. A unit of information expressed as either a 0 or 1 in binary notation.

TYPES OF DATA ITEMS


Numeric data
Alphabetic data Alphanumeric data

FILE STRUCTURE ORGANIZATION


File structure refers to the way data is structured into

fields and records with in a file, i.e. the relationships that exist between data item.

FILE

RECORD

RECORD

FIELD

FIED

FIELD

FIELD

BYTE

BYTE

BYTE

BYTE

BYTE

BYTE

BYTE

BYTE

ASSIGNMENT
Write a short note on the following:
Serial file organization. Sequential file organization.

Indexed sequential file organization.


Random file organization.

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