Question

Rama stores the data in a specific format or structure in a file. If the structure or format itself is changed, all the existing application programs accessing that file also need to be changed. Otherwise, the programs may not work correctly. What is this concept called?

• A. Data Sharing
• B. Data Inconsistency
• C. Data Dependency
• D. Data Isolation

Hint:

Remember: Dependency = Programs depend directly on the physical structure of files.
DBMS provides Data Independence (both logical and physical) to eliminate this traditional file-system drawback.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
In traditional file processing systems, file formats and physical data storage schemes are deeply embedded within application programs.
A major limitation of the file-based approach is the tight coupling between data representation and the programs manipulating that data.

Step 1: Understanding Data Dependency:
Data Dependency refers to the condition where changes in the physical storage structure, file format, or access mechanism mandate corresponding revisions to every application program interacting with that file.
In Rama's case, whenever the file's schema or format is altered, the programs fail unless modified.
Modern Database Management Systems solve this issue by implementing Data Independence, separating conceptual views from physical storage.

Step 2: Analysis of Alternative Options:
Data Sharing is the ability of different users and programs to access common data simultaneously.
Data Inconsistency describes a discrepancy where multiple redundant copies of the same data hold differing values due to improper updating.
Data Isolation means data is scattered across multiple different files in diverse formats, making writing new retrieval programs cumbersome.
Final Answer:
The phenomenon wherein application programs must be rewritten when data structure changes is defined as Data Dependency.