sequential file

computing

Also known as: serial file

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A sequential file is a type of file structure where records are processed in the order they are stored, from beginning to end. This method was common in early computing when data was stored on magnetic tape, which could only be accessed sequentially.1

Sequential files are often sorted, which aids in generating reports like telephone directories or processing batches of transactions, such as banking deposits and withdrawals. While modern systems allow for random access to data, sequential files remain relevant for specific applications. The term "sequential" itself means following one after another without interruption.123

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computer science
Information management
Sequential files are generally stored in some sorted order (e.g., alphabetic) for printing of reports (e.g., a telephone directory) and for efficient processing of batches of transactions. Banking transactions (deposits and withdrawals), for instance, might be sorted in the same order as the accounts file,…
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Sequential files are generally stored in some sorted order (e.g., alphabetic) for printing of reports (e.g., a telephone directory) and for efficient processing of batches of transactions. Banking transactions (deposits and withdrawals), for instance, might be sorted in the same order as the accounts file,…
Read More