What are the differences among sequential access, direct access, and random access?

Sequential access: Memory is organized into units of data, called records. Access must be made in a specific linear sequence.

Direct access: Individual blocks or records have a unique address based on physical location. Access is accomplished by direct access to reach a general vicinity plus sequential searching, counting, or waiting to reach the final location.

Random access: Each addressable location in memory has a unique, physically wired-in addressing mechanism. The time to access a given location is independent of the sequence of prior accesses and is constant.