This document discusses file processing systems and their components. It defines key terms like field, record, and file. It describes how a file processing system organizes and stores data in independent files of records without using databases. It classifies different types of files by their functions, such as master files, transaction files, report files, work files, program files, and text files. It outlines some advantages of file processing systems like lower costs and ease of use, as well as disadvantages like data redundancy, difficult data access, isolation, integrity, and security issues.

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CHAPTER 1
File Processing System
KATHRINA T. DACANAY
CCS Faculty Member
LCS 301 – File Processing
First Semester, School Year 2016-2017
Topics
• File Processing
• File Processing System
• Classification of Files by Function
• Advantages and Disadvantages of File
Processing System
File Processing
• Allows understanding of what files
are, of their roles in an information
system and of the basic problems in
their organization and management.
• It introduces files systems and their
basic responsibilities for managing
directories, buffer and input-output
control.
Terminologies
FIELD
Specified area of a record used to represent
a particular kind of information.
RECORD
A structure of logically related fields or
elements of information.
FILE
A collection of logically related records
treated as a unit.
File Processing System
• Data are organized, stored &
processed in independent files of data
records.
• No databases involved but computers
are used.
• It is not used for scientific and
engineering calculations but is able to
store, manipulate and retrieve large
files.
Examples of
File Processing System

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Classification of Files
by Functions
MASTER FILE
• A collection of records pertaining to one of
the main subjects of an information
system, such as customers, employees,
products and vendors.
• Master files contain descriptive data, such
as name and address, as well as summary
information, such as amount due and year-
to-date sales.
Classification of Files
by Functions
TRANSACTION FILE
• A collection of transaction records.
• Used to update the master files, which
contain the data about the subjects of
the organization.
• Serve as audit trails and history for the
organization.
Classification of Files
by Functions
REPORT FILE
• Contains data that has been
formatted for presentation to a user.
WORK FILE
• Temporary files in the system used
during the processing.
Classification of Files
by Functions
PROGRAM FILE
• Contains the instructions for the
processing of data.
TEXT FILE
• A kind of computer file that is
structured as a sequence of lines. A
text file exists within a computer file
system.
Advantages of
File Processing System
• Less expensive and fits the needs of
small businesses and home users.
• No need of highly technical person to
handle a file.
• Understanding problems and
limitations inherent in file processing
systems can help avoid same
problems when implementing
database systems.
Disadvantages of
File Processing System
• Data redundancy & inconsistency
• Difficult in accessing data
• Data isolation
• Data integrity
• Concurrent access is not possible
• Security problems