1.7

List four significant differences between a file-processing system and a DBMS.

1. A file-processing system is more specific to the problem at hand while a DBMS is more general. A file-processing system used by a university is difficult to use in a hospital setting. While a DBMS once written can be used in different places.

2. It is difficult to ensure atomicity in a conventional file-processing system while it is a lot easier in a DBMS. Often wrapping a set of SQL statements in a “BEGIN TRANSACTION” and “END TRANSACTION” are often enough in the relational DBMS world.

3. Protecting against concurrent-access anomalies in a file-processing system is difficult. Using a DBMS is much easier to protect against concurrent-access anomalies.

4. Most DBMS have a concept of a user and what access that user has. Enforcing such authorization in a file-processing system is really difficult.