Flat File
A flat file is a simple data storage format that stores data in a plain text file, typically with one record per line and fields separated by delimiters such as commas or tabs. It lacks the complex structures of relational databases, making it easy to create, read, and edit with basic text editors or programming languages. Common examples include CSV (Comma-Separated Values) and TSV (Tab-Separated Values) files.
Developers should use flat files for lightweight data storage, data exchange between systems, or when dealing with small datasets that don't require complex queries or transactions. They are ideal for configuration files, log storage, and importing/exporting data in applications like spreadsheets or simple data pipelines, due to their simplicity and broad compatibility.