Distinguish between Sequential File and Database Approaches to Data Backup

Understanding Sequential File and Database Approaches to Data Backup

Explanation: To distinguish between the sequential file and database approaches to data backup, it's important to understand the nature of each method. In a sequential file approach to data backup, files are backed up in a linear manner, one after the other. This can be likened to a tape backup where data is written from the beginning to the end in a sequence. On the other hand, database backups can often be non-linear, allowing for faster retrieval and storage since they do not require a sequence. Databases typically have the ability to perform different types of backups, such as full, incremental, or differential backups, making access and restoration processes more flexible and efficient.

In this context, the key differences between sequential file and database approaches to data backup can be summarized as follows:

A) Sequential: Backup occurs sequentially. Database: Backup is random.

B) Sequential: Backup is incremental. Database: Backup is complete.

C) Sequential: Backup is linear. Database: Backup is random.

D) Sequential: Backup is random. Database: Backup is linear.

This means that for sequential backups, data is backed up in order, while for databases, the backup order can be random or determined by the database's needs, such as with incremental backups which back up only the data that has changed since the last backup.