The flat (or table) model consists of a single, two-dimensional array
of data elements, where all members of a given column are assumed to
be similar values, and all members of a row are assumed to be related
to one another. For instance, columns for name and password that might
be used as a part of a system security database. Each row would have
the specific password associated with an individual user. Columns of
the table often have a type associated with them, defining them as
character data, date or time information, integers, or floating point
numbers.