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# Comparison DBS versus file based

Knowing about the characteristics of a database system (unit Characteristics of the Database Approach and unit Example Applications) we will have a look at file based systems. With a file based approach each user defines and creates with a specific software the files he needs for a specific application. In comparison to the database system approach this results in some limitations.
Move the mouse over the bold terms to the left and the limitations of the file based approach in comparison to the database approach are explained in writing (right) and graphics (below).

Database Systems versus File Based Systems

Using a file based system it is possible that, for example, the administration of a school maintains information about the registration and fee payment of the students (e.g. based on a spreadsheet software). Meanwhile the lecturers manage data about the students and their grades. Even though both user groups are interested in student data they both might have different files and different software to update and change these. Such redundancy
in the definition and storage of data wastes storage space. Additionally, the work needed to update data in more than one system is multiplied by the number of systems. In case above a change of basic student data like the address might need an update in the system of the lecturer and in the system of the administration as well.