main file
Noun: 1. Primary Data File: In computing, a "main file" is the principal or authoritative computer file in a specific task or system. It serves as the central, most reliable source of data for that job and is typically designed to be relatively permanent, as opposed to temporary or working files.
The term "main file" is used to designate the core data file upon which a process, application, or job depends. It is the file that contains the primary, master, or most current version of the data. - The database update process reads from the transaction log but writes all changes to the main file. - Before running the analysis, ensure the main file is correctly backed up, as it contains all the customer records. - The program crashed because it could not locate the required main file.
- Systems Context: The concept of a "main file" is often used in legacy or batch-processing systems. In modern database terminology, equivalent concepts are the "master table," "primary database," or "core dataset."
- Relative Permanence: Its "relative permanence" means it is not typically created and deleted within a single session; it persists across multiple jobs or sessions as the system of record.
- Master File (n): A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "main file" to denote the primary, authoritative source of data.
- Transaction File (n): A related term for a temporary file that holds changes (transactions) before they are applied to the main/master file.
- Backup File (n): A copy of the main file created for data recovery purposes.
- Master file
- Primary file
- Authority file
- Core dataset
- Temporary file
- Scratch file
- Working file
- Transaction file (in the context of data flow)
- To update the main file: The process of applying changes to the primary data source.
- The nightly batch job will update the main file with all the day's sales.
- Main file integrity: Refers to the accuracy and consistency of the data within the main file.
- Regular audits are necessary to ensure main file integrity.
- (computer science) a computer file that is used as the authority in a given job and that is relatively permanent