File-Based Applications
File-based applications are software programs that store and manage data primarily in files on a local or networked file system, rather than using a dedicated database management system. They rely on file formats like JSON, XML, CSV, or binary files to persist data, often using file I/O operations for reading, writing, and updating. This approach is common in desktop applications, configuration tools, and simple data-processing scripts where structured querying is not a primary requirement.
Developers should learn file-based applications for scenarios requiring lightweight, portable data storage without the overhead of a database server, such as in small-scale desktop apps, configuration management, or data export/import utilities. It's particularly useful when dealing with static or infrequently updated data, or in environments where database installation is impractical, like embedded systems or cross-platform tools. However, it's less suitable for high-concurrency or complex relational data needs.