What does the term 'flat file' refer to in a database context?

The term 'flat file' in a database context refers to a database that stores data in a single table. This means that all the information is organized in one structure without any relationships between multiple tables, unlike more complex database systems that utilize multiple related tables to store and manage data. A flat file typically consists of rows and columns, where each row represents a record and each column represents an attribute of that record.

This single-table structure can facilitate simpler data management and manipulation, as it avoids the complexities of relational databases, which often require understanding of joins, foreign keys, and other relational concepts. Flat files are commonly used for basic storage needs, where the relationships and multiple data entities are not necessary.