Main difference between a simple FILE and database that database has independent way (SQL) of accessing information while simple files do not File meets the storing, managing and RETRIEVING part of a database but not the independent way of accessing data. MANY experienced programmers think that the main difference is that file can not provide multi-user capabilities which a DBMS provides. But if we LOOK at some old COBOL and C programs where file where the only means of storing data, we can SEE functionalities like locking, multi-user etc provided very efficiently. So it’s a matter of debate if some interviewers think this as a main difference between files and database accept it… going in to debate is probably loosing a job.

Main difference between a simple file and database that database has independent way (SQL) of accessing information while simple files do not File meets the storing, managing and retrieving part of a database but not the independent way of accessing data. Many experienced programmers think that the main difference is that file can not provide multi-user capabilities which a DBMS provides. But if we look at some old COBOL and C programs where file where the only means of storing data, we can see functionalities like locking, multi-user etc provided very efficiently. So it’s a matter of debate if some interviewers think this as a main difference between files and database accept it… going in to debate is probably loosing a job.