A company needs a database in which data is stored in a plain text document and is separated by delimiters, such as commas. Which type of database is needed?

Hierarchical databases organize data in a tree-like structure, where each record has a single parent and can have multiple children. This model is useful for representing relationships that follow a strict hierarchy, such as organizational charts, but it does not utilize plain text documents or delimiters for data storage.

Distributed databases consist of multiple interconnected databases that may be spread across various locations. They leverage networked systems to store and manage data but do not specifically rely on plain text documents or the use of delimiters. Their complexity is not suited for simple data storage and retrieval needs.

Flat-file databases excel in storing data in a single, straightforward format, using delimiters such as commas to separate individual data fields. This simplicity allows for easy reading and writing of data in plain text files, making them ideal for applications that do not require the complexities of relational databases.