Flat File Storage
Flat file storage is a simple data storage method where data is stored in plain text files, typically with a fixed or delimited structure such as CSV, JSON, or XML. It does not use a relational database management system (RDBMS) and lacks features like indexing, querying, or transaction management. This approach is often used for small datasets, configuration files, logs, or data interchange between systems.
Developers should use flat file storage when dealing with lightweight, static data that doesn't require complex queries or high-performance transactions, such as configuration settings, simple data exports, or prototyping. It's ideal for scenarios where simplicity, portability, and ease of human readability are prioritized over scalability and advanced data manipulation, like in embedded systems, small applications, or data migration tasks.