When using relative file organization, the location of each record in a relative file is determined by means of a relative record number, i.e. an integer value greater than zero, which specifies the position of that record within the logical sequence of the file. The record number is predefined by the user in a relative key field. The file may be seen as a serial sequence of areas, each of which contains one logical record. Each of these areas is identified by a relative record number. Storage and retrieval of the records is accomplished on the basis of that number. For example, the tenth record is referenced through the relative record number 10 and is located in the tenth record area, whether or not records have been written in any of the record areas 1 to 9. Relative file organization is permitted for disk storage files only.