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Lecture 4

A database is a logically coherent collection of data with inherent meaning, designed for a specific purpose. It provides a single repository of data that can be accessed by various users through application programs and queries. A database management system (DBMS) is software that facilitates creating, manipulating, and maintaining the database. It provides advantages like program-data independence and a unified way to integrate related data from multiple files.

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152 views

Lecture 4

A database is a logically coherent collection of data with inherent meaning, designed for a specific purpose. It provides a single repository of data that can be accessed by various users through application programs and queries. A database management system (DBMS) is software that facilitates creating, manipulating, and maintaining the database. It provides advantages like program-data independence and a unified way to integrate related data from multiple files.

Uploaded by

Chaithra k
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Database

A database is a logically coherent


collection of data with some inherent
meaning e.g. address book

A database is designed, built, and


populated with data for a specific
purpose
Database

A database may be generated and


maintained manually, for example,
a library card catalog.

A computerized database is usually


maintained by a set of programs.
Data Hierarchy

File (Collection of related records)

Record (data elements that relate to a


particular object or activity)

Data element (smallest unit of data)


Traditional Approach

Programming with files or file-processing

Files linked to a specific application

Structure of data files is embedded in the


application programs
File Processing -
Disadvantages

File structure changes usually result in


program changes
Data redundancy or duplication
Wasted space
Naming problems
Inconsistency because of lack of
synchronization in updating the duplicated
data
File Processing -
Disadvantages

Diffused data ownership


programmers “own” data accessed by their
programs
Result - inconsistent, inaccurate, and
unreliable information
Database Approach

A single repository of data which is


accessed by various users

Database system contains the database


and a complete description of the
database called meta-data
Database Approach -
Advantages

Program - data independence


Ability to change data structure without
making changes to the programs

User is not constrained by the physical


organization of data
Database Management
System (DBMS)

DBMS is a collection of programs that


enables users to create and maintain a
database

DBMS is a general-purpose software that


facilitates the process of defining
constructing and manipulating databases
for various applications
DBMS (Contd.)

DBMS functions
Defining a database (data types, structures,
and constraints)
Constructing the database (storing the data)
Manipulating the database (querying,
updating and report generation)
DBMS software + database = database
system
A Simplified Database System
Environment
Users/Programmers

DATABASE Application Programs/Queries


SYSTEM
DBMS Software to Process
Software Queries/Programs

Software to Access
Stored Data

Stored Database
Definition Stored Database
(Meta-Data)
DBMS (Contd.)

Data hierarchy in a Database Approach


Database (collection of interrelated files)
File
• Record
– Data element

Means to integrate the contents of files


that have logical relationship
Database Structures

Logical integration of files through explicit


relationships - for example, “link” fields in
a hierarchical structure

Implicit relationships - relationships that


can be implied from existing record data
as in a relational structure
Database Approach -
“Disadvantages”

Need for DBMS software which could be


expensive

Larger hardware configuration may be


needed

Dedicated staff
Database Staff

Database Administrator (DBA)


authorizes access to the database
co-ordinates and monitors database use
acquires software and hardware resources
accountable for security and response time
problems
Database Staff (Contd.)

Analysts/Database designers
get user requirements
identify data to be stored
choose appropriate structures
develop a “view” of the database that meets
user requirements
Programmers

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