File System vs. DBMS

Main Difference

The main difference between the file system and a DBMS is that a file system stores data in a computer system whereas the DBMS is software that manages, manipulates, and retrieves data in a database.

Difference Between File System and DBMS

Comparison Chart

File System vs. DBMS

The file system stores and retrieve data in a computer system. DBMS is software that manages, manipulates, and retrieves data from a database. In a file system, different pieces of data information are known as a file, and those groups of information stored in a structure are called a file system. In DBMS, the data is stored in tables. Each file that is read and written and then stored on the hard disk goes through the file system. DBMS uses SQL (structured query language) structure to select, delete, insert, and update the data by using queries.

By using the Operating System; the file system can be installed. DBMS provides data independence for both logical and physical data. In the file management system, there is more data redundancy because a lot of information can be duplicated. By using data normalization, the data redundancy can be reduced in DBMS. In the file management system, there is more inconsistency in data.

DBMS provides high security and less data inconsistency. In the file system, the centralization of data is difficult. In DBMS, all the data is placed in the same place, so its data centralization is easy. It has less security as an unauthorized person can see and manipulate the information. In DBMS, only registered users can access and retrieve the data. In the file system, the recovery of lost data is difficult. In DBMS backup and recovery process is easy. The file system is easy to handle, whereas the handling of DBMS is complex.

What is File System?

The file system indicates how data is stored in a computer system. Without a file system, nobody knows where the data starts and ends. This different piece of information is known as a file and those groups of information are stored in a structure called a file system. The file system read and writes data to the hard disk. It can be installed on your computers by the operating system.

Every Operating System has its file system, e.g. Windows and Linux. Each file that is read and written and then stored on the hard disk goes through the file system. There is more data redundancy because a lot of information can be duplicated. When a system creates a file, it allocates some space for the data, and when a file is deleted that space becomes available for use. The file system is used on a small scale.

What is DBMS?

The Database Management System is software that manages, manipulates, and retrieves data from a database. For database and end users DBMS works as an interface. DBMS provides data independence for both logical and physical data. It makes sure that the data is consistently organized and easily available to the end-users. In DBMS, the data is stored in tables. DBMS uses SQL (structured query language) structure to select, delete, insert, and update the data.

It reduces the data redundancy by using data normalization, and it had less data inconsistency. It supports a multi-user environment as multiple users can access the data from multiple locations at the same time. In DBMS, data centralization is easy. DBMS provides high security of data. Only authorized users can access the data. In DBMS, backup and recovery of data are easy. DBMS is suitable for large organizations and firms. The handling of DBMS is complex.

Conclusion

DBMS is more flexible and provides high security of data. It is easy to retrieve and manipulate data in DBMS as compared to the file system. The management of data is possible, whereas the old data could not remain for long in the file management system.