Definition: Flat files are data files that contain records with no structured relationships. Additional knowledge is required to interpret these files such as the file format properties. Modern database management systems used a more structured approach to file management (such as one defined by the Structured Query Language) and therefore have more complex storage arrangements.
Examples: Many database management systems offer the option to export data to comma delimited file. This type of file contains no inherent information about the data and interpretation requires additional knowledge. For this reason, this type of file can be referred to as a flat file.
