Example: Comma-delimited file
Value1, Value2, Value3, Value4, Value5
In the above example we can see a comma between the words Value1 Value2 until Value 5.
Example: TAB delimited file
Value1 Value2 Value3 Value4 Value5
In the above example we are able to see space between all the values.
We have seen how a delimited text file looks like; now let us have a look of other usage of delimited file.
- Data import into Database
- Used as a Database
Let us go in detail how these delimited files are used in both of the cases.
- Data import into Database
In a DBMS, RDBMS we create databases and tables, in a huge database with millions of records, in order to transfer data from one database or transport a database from one location to another, data is normally exported into a text file, when we try to export data to a text file, system will ask for a delimiter to be used for, when we specify the delimiter, the data’s stored in the fields will get appended with the delimiter, while importing the data back to the database, system will ask for the delimiter which is used, based on the delimiter, data gets imported into the database.
- Used as a database
In some areas where there is no support of database, delimited text files are used as a replacement for database with limited functionality, data’s are directly read from the delimited text file into arrays and manipulated.
Usually these types of delimited text files are used in the web applications, where hiring a database support with hosting is a costly affair, in order to get an act support like a database these delimited text files are used.
