Definition:A flat file database is a database that stores data in a plain text file. Each line of the text file holds one record, with fields separated by delimiters, such as commas or tabs. While it uses a simple structure, a flat file database cannot contain multiple tables like a relational database can. Fortunately, most database programs such as Microsoft Access and FileMaker Pro can import flat file databases and use them in a larger relational database.
http://www.techterms.com/definition/flatfile
Example + Picture:
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http://i.msdn.microsoft.com/aa905447.Flat_DB(en-us,MSDN.10).gif
Relational Database:
Definition:A relational database is a collection of data items organized as a set of formally-described tables from which data can be accessed or reassembled in many different ways without having to reorganize the database tables. The relational database was invented by E. F. Codd at IBM in 1970.
http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/definition/relational-database
Example + Picture:
http://library2.usask.ca/access98/ppoint/cervone/html/sld008.htm
Normalization:
Definition: In relational database design, the process of organizing data to minimize redundancy. Normalization usually involves dividing a database into two or more tables and defining relationships between the tables. The objective is to isolate data so that additions, deletions, and modifications of a field can be made in just one table and then propagated through the rest of the database via the defined relationships.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/normalization.html
Example and picture:
http://www.mahipalreddy.com/images/Normalization.gif
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