flat file Last modified: Wednesday, February 27, 2002
(1) See flat-file database. (2) A file that has no structured interrelationship between its data records. A text document without formatting structure is considered a flat file. For example, a word processing document that has been saved as "text only" is saved without markup tags or formatting elements such as bold, italic or other font specifications and information that specifies what style to make a certain line that is used as a heading. The flat file only contains the lines of text without regard to the visual presentation of the data on the page. Flat file should not be confused with flat file system.
•E-mail this definition to a colleague• For internet.com pages about flat file . Also check out the following links! Miva Merchant - How to Import Product Data From a Flat File (PDF) Miva Merchant gives you the option of importing your products from a flat text file, as opposed to entering them one at a time using the Add Product form. The file may be created with a text editor, word processor, spreadsheet, or database editor that has the ability of creating a flat file.	Data Formats Data Management Databases File Management ASCII character database document file file extension file format file name format record text Give Us Your Feedback