Summarize the distinction between a flat file and a database

Flat file databases are simple and portable, and typically can be used without requiring special software. Relational databases are faster, more efficient and more powerful than flat files. Most RDBMSs provide database access over networks

Explanation:

Flat file databases are plain text files that stores one record per line for that reason we can say, it is simple and portable, and typically can be used without requiring special software.

Relational databases  use "indexes" to quickly find records based on search criteria, to that they generally require a relational database management system (RDBMS) to manage and access the data.  which make them faster, more efficient and more powerful than flat files. Most RDBMSs provide database access over networks.

ipr and related laws.