DBMS
Fundamentals
Kabul University
Information Science & Engineering Department
By: Gharanai
2025
Class & Course Policy
75% - Attendance is Compulsory
Scoring:
10% - Attendance
10% - Project
20% - Mid-term Exam
60% - Final Exam
Teaching Time Credits Class
Morning : 8:30 AM – 12:00 3 2nd (4th Semester)
PM
Location Food & Phone Meeting Days
ICTF Building, 2nd floor Eating & Phone are Saturdays & Wednesdays
allowed but no disturbing
Database
A database is a collection of related data. By data, we mean
known facts that can be recorded and that have implicit
meaning. For example, consider the names, telephone
numbers, and addresses of the people you know.
Nowadays, this data is typically stored in mobile phones,
which have their own simple database software.
This data can also be recorded in an indexed address book
or stored on a hard drive, using a personal computer and
software such as Microsoft Access or Excel. This collection
of related data with an implicit meaning is a database.
Database
An example of a large commercial database is Amazon.com. It
contains data for over 60 million active users, and millions of
books, CDs, videos, DVDs, games, electronics, apparel, and
other items.
The database occupies over 42 terabytes (a terabyte is 1012
bytes worth of storage) and is stored on hundreds of computers
(called servers). Millions of visitors access Amazon.com each day
and use the database to make purchases. The database is
continually updated as new books and other items are added to
the inventory, and stock quantities are updated as purchases are
transacted.
Database
Stored representations of objects and events that have
meaning and importance in the user’s environment.
Data: Data is a fundamental component of a DBMS. It represents
the facts, information, or records that are stored in the database.
Data can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured.
Database
Data that have been processed in such a way as to increase
the knowledge of the person who uses the data.
Converting Data to
Information
Summarized Data
DBMS: A software system that is used
to create, maintain, and provide
DBMS
controlled access to user databases
DBMS (Database Management System) fundamentals refer to the basic concepts,
principles, and components that form the foundation of a database management
system.
A database management system (DBMS) is a computerized system that enables users
to create and maintain a database. The DBMS is a general-purpose software system that
facilitates the processes of defining, constructing, manipulating, and sharing databases
among various users and applications.
Defining a database involves specifying the data types, structures, and constraints of
the data to be stored in the database .
DBMS Architecture: DBMS architecture refers to the overall structure or design of a
database management system. It typically consists of three layers: the physical layer
(storage and retrieval mechanisms), the logical layer (data organization and schema),
and the external or user layer (interfaces for users and applications).
Advantages of Using the DBMS Approach
Using the DBMS (Database Management System) approach offers several
advantages compared to traditional file-based systems. Here are some key
advantages:
Restricting Techniques for
Controlling
Unauthorized Efficient Query
Redundancy
Access Processing
Representing
Providing Backup Providing Multiple Complex
and Recovery User Interfaces Relationships
among Data
Database System
Database Administrators:
In any organization where many people use the
same resources, there is a need for a chief
administrator to oversee and manage these
resources. In a database environment, the primary
resource is the database itself, and the secondary
resource is the DBMS and related software.
Administering these resources is the responsibility of
the database administrator (DBA). The DBA is
responsible for authorizing access to the database,
coordinating and monitoring its use, and acquiring
software and hardware resources as needed. The
DBA is accountable for problems such as security
breaches and poor system response time.
In large organizations, the DBA is assisted by a staff
that carries out these functions.
Database Designers :
Database designers are responsible for identifying
the data to be stored in the database and for
choosing appropriate structures to represent and
store this data. These tasks are mostly undertaken
before the database is actually implemented and
populated with data. It is the responsibility of
database designers to communicate with all
prospective database users in order to understand
their requirements and to create a design that meets
these requirements. In many cases, the designers
are on the staff of the DBA and may be assigned
other staff responsibilities after the database design
is completed. Database designers typically interact
with each potential group of users and develop
views of the database that meet the data and
processing requirements of these groups
End Users:
End users are the people whose jobs require
access to the database for querying, updating, and
generating reports; the database primarily exists for
their use.
❖ Casual end users
❖ Naive or parametric end users
❖ Sophisticated end users
❖ Standalone users
Homework!
System Analysts and Application Programmers
(Software Engineers) :
System analysts determine the requirements of end users,
especially naive and parametric end users, and develop
specifications for standard canned transactions that meet these
requirements. Application programmers implement these
specifications as programs; then they test, debug, document,
and maintain these canned transactions.
Such analysts and programmers—commonly referred to as
software developers or software engineers—should be
familiar with the full range of capabilities provided by the DBMS
to accomplish their tasks.
Data Types:
Integer: Represents whole numbers, both positive
and negative, without any fractional or decimal
parts. For example, 1, -5, 100.
Float/Double: Represents floating-point numbers
that can have decimal parts. It is used to store
approximate values. For example, 3.14, 10.75.
Decimal/Numeric: Represents fixed-point numbers
with a specified precision and scale. It is used for
storing exact decimal values. For example, 3.14159,
-123.45.
Character/String: Represents a sequence of
characters or text. It is used for storing alphanumeric
data. The length of the string may vary depending
on the database system. For example, "Hello",
"John Doe", "12345".
Data Types :
Boolean: Represents a binary value indicating true
or false, yes or no, or on or off. For example, true,
false.
Date: Represents a date without time information. It
typically stores the year, month, and day. For
example, 2022-03-15.
Time: Represents a specific time of day without
date information. It typically stores the hour, minute,
and second. For example, 10:30:45.
DateTime/TimeStamp: Represents a combination
of date and time. It stores both the date and time
information. For example, 2022-03-15 10:30:45.
Binary: Represents binary data, such as images,
documents, or other binary file types, stored in a
database. It is used to store raw byte data.
Data Types :
Enumerated Types: Represents a user-defined list
of values. It allows you to define a set of permissible
values for a column. For example, "Red", "Green",
"Blue".
Array: Represents an ordered collection of values of
the same data type. It allows multiple values to be
stored in a single column. For example, [1, 2, 3, 4].
JSON/XML: Represents structured data in JSON
(JavaScript Object Notation) or XML (eXtensible
Markup Language) format. It is used to store semi-
structured or hierarchical data
References:
Modern Database Management System, 10th Edition
Fundamental of Database Systems, Elmasri, 7th Edition
Thank you
Senior Instructor GHARANAI Mohammad Hanif
[email protected] Kabul University
2025/1404
