Traditional (file-oriented) information processing: Which statement is NOT true of the traditional approach when compared to modern database-centered processing?

Introduction / Context: Before databases became mainstream, organizations often used the traditional file-oriented approach. Each application owned its own files, leading to redundancy and inconsistency. Comparing this to database-centric processing highlights why DBMS technology became dominant.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Traditional approach characteristics include separate files per application and tight coupling between programs and data formats.
• We must identify which statement does not match that approach.
• Modern databases emphasize shared, integrated data.

Concept / Approach: File-oriented systems tend to be siloed: minimal data sharing, high redundancy, and rigid structures. Programs depend closely on file layouts; any change to a file can break many programs. In contrast, database environments promote shared data, centralized control, and flexibility through schemas and standardized query languages.

Step-by-Step Solution: Review options that match file systems: “file-oriented,” “programs dependent on files,” and “inflexible.”Recognize that “common sharing of data among applications” describes database-centered environments, not file-oriented ones.Select the statement that is NOT true of traditional processing: common sharing of data.Confirm the mismatch with classic drawbacks (redundancy, inconsistency).

Verification / Alternative check: Textbooks list disadvantages of the traditional approach: data redundancy, isolation, inconsistency, integrity problems, and limited data sharing. This independently validates the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong: It is file-oriented: correct for the traditional approach.

Programs are dependent on the files: typical tight coupling.

It is inflexible: changes require modifying many programs and files.

All of the above are true: incorrect because one item (common sharing) is not true.

Common Pitfalls: Assuming “some” sharing exists and therefore the statement is true; while ad hoc sharing can occur, the hallmark of the traditional model is lack of integrated, common sharing.

Final Answer: There is common sharing of data among the various applications