Analysis of retrieval performance for selected file organization techniques

With the rapid development of the Business Data Processing technology, numerous Data Management Systems have evolved. Many have been written for use on a variety of machines, in a variety of applications. In each case, the basic limitations on performance are a function of the file organization technique (s) supported within the system. Apart from such mundane considerations as cost, compatibility, etc., the selection of the "best" system is frequently reduced to the selection of the file organization technique best suited to the intended application. Just as a variety of applications exist, so a variety of file organization techniques are available. File organization techniques are frequently classified in terms of their operational characteristics. More basic, however, is a classification based on functional objectives. Collmeyer has described four basic types of file organization techniques. The simplest, Type O, is exemplified by the "sequential" organization wherein records are filed in the order of arrival and retrieval is accomplished via a sequential (top-to-bottom) search of the file.