Sequential and Random files (1 Viewer)

[Premus]

Compare and contrast sequential and random access files

Thanks

 

[solo36]

Compare and contrast sequential and random access files

Thanks

sequential: program needs to read entire file up until it hits the target element, elements can be different lengths, elements can be different data types
random: program can jump dirrectly to required element, elements MUST be same length, elements must be same data type.

this was in the indep paper..right?

 

[schmeichung]

oh thats a question from independent and I only got 2/4..;(

 

[Freedom_Dragon]

Sequencial Access: Occurs when data files are accessed in a sequencial/Linear manner, hence the name "Sequencial Access". Access time to data files is much slower than Direct access & is impractical when immediate access is required. Sentinel Values are used to indicate breaks in the data such as EOF(End Of File).
Eg: Magnetic Tape/Audio cassette

Direct/Random Access: Occurs when data files are accessed without having to read any of the preceding data to a particular data file, files can be accessed in any order. Data is accessed directly using an index. Access time to data files is much faster. Eg: HDD.