Neco 2024 Data Processing Question 4

Practice essay / theory question 4 from the 2024 Neco Data Processing examination. This question covers Types of Files and File Organization .

Neco 2024 Data Processing Essay / Theory
Topic: Types of Files and File Organization
Question 4 NECO • 2024 • DATA_PROCESSING • essay

A university library maintains digital copies of its e‑books. The collection consists of 12,000 files. Each e‑book file is stored using one of three possible file‑organization methods: sequential, indexed, or direct (hashed). The library wants to retrieve any e‑book by its ISBN number as quickly as possible.

Question Parts

( a )
Define sequential, indexed and direct file organization, stating the basic principle behind each method.
( b )
For retrieval by ISBN, which file‑organization method would you recommend? Justify your choice by comparing the average access time, using the following assumptions: - Sequential access requires scanning on average half the files. - Indexed access uses a primary index that can be searched in log₂(12,000) ≈ 14 comparisons. - Direct access uses a hash function that gives the exact location in one step, but 5 % of the time a collision occurs requiring one additional comparison.
( c )
Calculate the expected number of comparisons required to retrieve a file under the recommended method, and also under each of the other two methods.
( d )
Discuss one advantage and one disadvantage of the recommended (direct) method in the context of the library’s needs.

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About This Question

This is Neco 2024 Data Processing Question 4. It is one of the essay questions from the 2024 Neco Data Processing examination.

The question covers Types of Files and File Organization .

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