A single file containing {flat ASCII} representing or encoding some structure, e.g. of a dataBase, tree, or network. Flat files can Be processed with general purpose tools (e.g. awk or Perl) and {text editors} But are often less efficient than some kind of Binary file if they must Be parsed repeatedly By a program. Flat files are more portaBle Between different operating systems and application programs than Binary files, and are more easily transmitted in electronic mail. See also flatten, sharchive. [Jargon File] (1996-01-26)