There are several reasons why using a database system can be advantageous over simply storing data in operating system files:
Data Integrity and Consistency: Database systems provide mechanisms to ensure data consistency and integrity, such as enforcing data types, constraints, and relationships between tables. This helps ensure that the data is accurate and consistent.
Scalability: Database systems are designed to handle large amounts of data and multiple concurrent users, which makes them suitable for applications that require high scalability.
Concurrent Access: A database system can allow multiple users to access the data at the same time, and provide mechanisms to ensure that the data remains consistent and free from conflicts.
Security: Database systems provide mechanisms to restrict access to data and enforce data security policies, which makes them suitable for applications that require data confidentiality and privacy.
Querying and Reporting: Database systems provide query languages and reporting tools that allow users to extract and analyze data in a variety of ways.
However, there are some situations where it might not make sense to use a database system, such as:
Small amounts of Data: If the amount of data to be stored is small and the number of users is low, it might be simpler to use operating system files to store the data.
Single-User Systems: If the application is designed for a single user and does not require concurrent access, a database system may not be necessary.
Performance: In some cases, storing data in files can provide better performance than using a database system. This is particularly true for applications that require a high volume of simple read and write operations.
Cost: Database systems can be expensive, both in terms of licensing and hardware requirements. In some cases, the cost of implementing and maintaining a database system may not be justified.
