Characteristics of Database Approach
1. Self-Describing Nature of Database
A database contains both the data and its complete description (structure and
constraints). The database system manages this information itself.
2. Program-Data Independence
In traditional systems, changing data structures requires changing programs. In DBMS,
programs and data are independent. Data definitions are stored separately in a catalog.
3. Data Abstraction
DBMS provides different levels of abstraction:
• Physical level – how data is stored.
• Logical level – what data is stored.
• View level – how users see the data.
This allows hiding unnecessary details from users.
4. Multiple Views of Data
Different users can view the same data differently according to their needs.
Example:
• A student views their exam results.
• An administrator checks if the student has collected the hall ticket.
5. Sharing of Data and Multi-User Transaction Processing
Multiple users can access the database at the same time.
DBMS uses concurrency control to avoid conflicts and maintain data correctness.
Example: In airline booking, only one agent can book a particular seat at a time.
Functions of DBMS (Advantages of DBMS Approach)
1. Controlling Redundancy
Redundancy (duplicate data) wastes storage and causes inconsistency.
DBMS reduces redundancy by organizing data through Normalization, which minimizes
duplication and saves space.
2. Restricting Unauthorized Access
DBMS provides security features such as user permissions and passwords to control
who can access or modify data.
3. Providing Persistent Storage for Program Objects
Data and program objects remain in the database even after program termination.
Especially useful in Object-Oriented DBMS, where objects must persist beyond
program execution.
4. Efficient Query Processing
DBMS uses indexes and special data structures to quickly search and retrieve data,
speeding up query execution and updates.
5. Backup and Recovery
DBMS provides tools to recover data after failures (e.g., hardware crash, software
errors).
The backup and recovery subsystem ensures data is safe and can be restored.
6. Providing Multiple User Interfaces
DBMS supports users with different technical skills by offering:
• Graphical interfaces
• Command-line tools
• Web-based interfaces
7. Maintaining Integrity Constraints
DBMS ensures that the data remains accurate and consistent by enforcing integrity
rules.
Example: A student’s marks cannot be negative.
8. Representing Complex Relationships
DBMS can model complex data relationships.
Example: A database of students, courses, and teachers can represent the many-to-
many relationships between them.
