Question

Differentiate between sequential access and direct access methods.

Answer 1

Hey there,

Sequential access must begin at the beginning and access each element in order, one after the other. Direct access allows the access of any element directly by locating it by its index number or address. Arrays allow direct access. Magnetic tape has only sequential access, but CDs had direct access. If you are on a railroad train, to go from one car to another you must use sequential access. But when you board the train initially you have direct access. Direct access is faster than sequential access, but it requires some external mechanism (array index, file byte number, railroad platform).

Hope this helps!