What are the main differences between a database and a simple data storage file?

Main differences between a database and a simple data storage file:

• Structuredness: Databases organize data into tables or other structures with the ability to perform complex queries, whereas files typically store data in unstructured or loosely structured formats.
• Access and search: Databases provide fast and efficient access to data using indexes and queries, while files require reading and processing the entire content.
• Concurrent access: Databases support simultaneous work of multiple users with locking and transaction mechanisms, whereas files are usually not designed for parallel access.
• Reliability and integrity: Databases ensure data integrity and recovery after failures, files are less reliable in this regard.

Example: if you need to store a list of users with the ability to search by name and filter, a database would be more convenient and efficient than a simple JSON or CSV file.