Answer
See the explanation
Work Step by Step
Here are the advantages for each option:
a. **Sequential file over an indexed file**: Sequential files are easier to implement and maintain, as they don't require additional data structures like indexes.
b. **Sequential file over a hash file**: Sequential files are more efficient for range queries or processing data in a specific order.
c. **Indexed file over a sequential file**: Indexed files provide faster access to individual records, especially when the data is large and needs to be accessed randomly.
d. **Indexed file over a hash file**: Indexed files allow for more flexible retrieval of records based on different criteria, compared to hash files which are more rigid in their retrieval methods.
e. **Hash file over a sequential file**: Hash files provide faster access to individual records, especially when the key is known, as they use hashing for direct access.
f. **Hash file over an indexed file**: Hash files have constant time complexity for data retrieval, making them faster for direct access compared to indexed files, especially when dealing with large datasets.