Which file organization provides direct access to records using a key field?

The correct answer is Indexed File Organization.

Key Points

• Indexed file organization is a file storage method that uses an index to provide direct access to records.
  • An index is a separate structure that contains key fields and pointers to the actual records in the file.
  • When a key field is provided, the index is searched to locate the pointer to the desired record.
  • This allows for efficient record retrieval without scanning the entire file.
  • Indexed file organization is widely used in databases and applications where quick access to records is essential.
  • It supports random access, making it suitable for applications that require frequent lookups.

Additional Information

• Indexed file organization can also support multiple indexes for different key fields, enabling flexibility in record retrieval.
• It is used in scenarios like library systems, banking systems, and inventory management systems.
• While efficient for direct access, maintaining indexes can increase storage requirements and update complexity.
• Examples of database systems that use indexed file organization include MySQL and PostgreSQL.
• Indexed file organization is particularly useful for large datasets where sequential scanning would be inefficient.