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Access Methods

Operating System Access Methods

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prabhakar vadakattu
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31 views

Access Methods

Operating System Access Methods

Uploaded by

prabhakar vadakattu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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### Access Methods: Introduction for Undergraduates

When data is stored in files, applications need to access it in various ways based on
how the data is structured and what the application needs. "Access methods" refer
to these different ways of reading, writing, or navigating data within a file. Each
method serves specific needs, balancing between speed, flexibility, and simplicity.

Let’s explore the main access methods: **Sequential Access**, **Direct Access**,
and **Indexed Access**.

---

### 1. Sequential Access

#### Definition
Sequential access is the simplest and most common access method. Data is
processed in a specific, ordered sequence—from the beginning of the file to the end.
Think of a playlist where songs play one after the other without skipping.

#### How It Works


- **Read Next**: Reads the next record and moves the file pointer forward.
- **Write Next**: Appends data to the end of the file, moving the file pointer to the
new end.
- **Rewind**: Resets the pointer to the beginning of the file to start over.

#### When It’s Used


Sequential access is ideal for applications that need to process every part of a file in
order, like text editors or compilers that read files line-by-line.

#### Example
Imagine reading a novel page by page. If you want to read a specific scene, you still
have to start from the beginning and read until you reach it.
---

### 2. Direct Access

#### Definition
Direct access (also called "random access") allows reading or writing data in any
order, making it possible to "jump" to specific parts of the file. This method is based
on a numbered structure, where data is stored in fixed-size blocks or records.

#### How It Works


- **Read by Block Number**: We specify a block number (e.g., `read block 5`) to
access that specific part of the file directly.
- **Position to Block**: We can move to a specific block and then read from it in
order.

#### When It’s Used


Direct access is common in databases or systems where you need fast retrieval of
specific records, like retrieving a single student's record from a large database of
student files.

#### Example
Imagine a bookshelf full of encyclopedias. If you need information on "polar bears,"
you don’t start at the beginning of the book. You go directly to the "P" section.

---

### 3. Indexed Access

#### Definition
Indexed access builds on direct access by adding an "index," which points to
specific data blocks or records. An index acts like a table of contents or a book
index, where you find the topic and go directly to its location in the file.
#### How It Works
1. **Create Index**: The index stores the first entry for each block, along with
pointers to where each block is stored.
2. **Search Index**: To find a specific record, we first search the index, locate the
relevant block, and then access that block directly.

#### When It’s Used


Indexed access is useful for large files or databases where records are accessed
frequently and randomly. It’s common in systems like library databases or retail
systems where you search for a specific book or product.

#### Example
In a library database, each book’s unique ID is listed in an index with a pointer to
where the book’s details are stored. When you look up a book by its ID, you go to
the exact location without scanning through all records.

---

### Summary of Access Methods

| **Access Method** | **Description** | **Example Use Case**


|
|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Sequential Access | Reads/writes in a sequence from start to end. | Reading a text
file or playing songs in order. |
| Direct Access | Allows access to any part of the file. | Retrieving a specific
record in a database. |
| Indexed Access | Uses an index to locate records quickly. | Searching a library
or product database. |

Each access method has strengths suited to different tasks, so understanding these
can help choose the most efficient way to store and retrieve data in real-world
applications.

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