SyStem, Storage> 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)
