Flat File

A Flat File in the context of business intelligence and data analytics is a simple type of database that stores data in a plain text file. Each line of the text file represents a single record, and each field within that record is usually separated by a delimiter such as a comma, tab, or other special character. Imagine a spreadsheet where all the data is in one single tab with rows and columns, and you’ve basically got the idea of a flat file.

Flat files are straightforward because they don’t contain any structured relationships like you’d find in more complex databases with multiple tables. They are often used for moving data between different systems or for simple data storage tasks. For instance, a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file is a common type of flat file used to store data. It’s easily readable and can be opened in a variety of programs like Excel, Google Sheets, or even plain text editors.

Despite their simplicity, flat files play a big role in data analytics. They are especially handy for smaller datasets or for situations where you need to quickly export and share data with others. However, they’re not ideal for very large or complex data that requires lots of different interrelated tables, and that’s where more sophisticated databases come in. But for simple tasks, flat files are a solid choice due to their versatility and ease of use.