Introduction of DBMS (Database Management
System)
DBMS is a software system that manages, stores, and retrieves data
efficiently in a structured format.
It allows users to create, update, and query databases efficiently.
Ensures data integrity, consistency, and security across multiple users
and applications.
Reduces data redundancy and inconsistency through centralized
control.
Supports concurrent data access, transaction management, and
automatic backups
DBMS acts as a bridge between a central database and multiple clients-
including apps and users. It uses APIs to handle data requests, enabling
apps and users to interact with the database securely and efficiently without
directly accessing the data.
Problems with Traditional File-Based Systems
Before the introduction of modern DBMS, data was managed using basic file
systems on hard drives. While this approach allowed users to store, retrieve
and update files as needed, it came with numerous challenges
Data Redundancy: Duplicate entries across files
Inconsistency: Conflicting or outdated information
Difficult Access: Manual file search required
Poor Security: No control over data access
Single-User Access: No support for collaboration
No Backup/Recovery: Data loss was often permanent
A university file-based system storing data in separate files (e.g., Academics,
Results, Hostels) often faced these problems.
Components of DBMS Applications
Any DBMS based applications is made up of six key components that work
together to handle data effectively.
Components of DBMS Applications
1. Hardware
Physical devices like servers, disks, input-output devices (keyboard,
monitor, printer).
Stores and processes data; interfaces between real-world inputs and
digital systems.
Examples: Personal computer hard disk, RAM, network devices used for
DBMS operations.
2. Software
Actual DBMS software like MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL.
Includes the database engine, OS, network software, and application
tools.
Translates database access languages into operations.
3. Data
Raw facts stored in structured or unstructured formats.
Operational Data: Actual user data (e.g., name, age).
Metadata: Data about data (e.g., storage time, size, data type).
Core reason DBMS exists—to manage and store data efficiently.
4. Procedures
Instructions and rules for using DBMS effectively.
Covers setup, login/logout, data validation, backup, access control, and
report generation.
Helps ensure consistent and secure use of the system.
5. Database Access Language
Used to interact with the database (create, read, update, delete data).
Examples: SQL, MyAccess, Oracle PL/SQL.
DDL (Data Definition Language) – CREATE, ALTER, DROP
DML (Data Manipulation Language) – INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
6. People
Users interacting with DBMS at different levels:
Database Administrators (DBA) – Manage security, performance,
user access.
Developers – Build applications using the database.
End Users – Use applications to access the database (e.g., students,
employees).
Types of DBMS
There are several types of Database Management Systems (DBMS), each
tailored to different data structures, scalability requirements and application
needs. The most common types are as follows:
1. Relational Database Management System (RDBMS)
It organizes data into tables (relations) composed of rows and columns.
Uses primary keys to uniquely identify rows and foreign keys to establish
relationships between tables.
Queries are written in SQL (Structured Query Language), which
allows for efficient data manipulation and retrieval.
Examples: MySQL oracle, Microsoft SQL Server and Postgre SQL.
2. NoSQL DBMS
They are designed to handle large-scale data and provide high
performance for scenarios where relational models might be restrictive.
They store data in various non-relational formats, such as key-value
pairs, documents, graphs or columns.
These flexible data models enable rapid scaling and are well-suited for
unstructured or semi-structured data.
Examples: MongoDB, Cassandra, DynamoDB and Redis.
3. Object-Oriented DBMS (OODBMS)
It integrates object-oriented programming concepts into the database
environment, allowing data to be stored as objects.
Supports complex data types and relationships, making it ideal for
applications requiring advanced data modeling and real-world
simulations.
Examples: ObjectDB, db4o.
4. Hierarchical Database
Organizes data in a tree-like structure, where each record (node) has a
single parent and have multiple children.
This model is similar to a file system with folders and subfolders.
It is efficient for storing data with a clear hierarchy, such as
organizational charts or file directories.
Navigation is fast and predictable due to the fixed structure.
It lacks flexibility and difficult to restructure or handle complex many-to-
many relationships.
Example: IBM Information Management System (IMS).
5. Network Database
It uses a graph-like model to allow more complex relationships between
entities.
Unlike the hierarchical model, it permits each child to have multiple
parents, enabling many-to-many relationships.
Data is represented using records and sets, where sets define the
relationships.
It is more flexible than the hierarchical model and better suited for
applications with complex data linkages.
Example: Integrated Data Store (IDS), TurboIMAGE.
6. Cloud-Based Database
They are hosted on cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure or
Google Cloud.
They offer on-demand scalability, high availability, automatic backups
and remote accessibility.
These databases can be relational (SQL) or non-relational (NoSQL) and
are maintained by cloud service providers, reducing administrative
overhead.
They support modern application requirements, including distributed
access and real-time analytics.
Example: Amazon RDS (for SQL), MongoDB Atlas (for NoSQL), Google
BigQuery.
Database Languages
Database languages are specialized sets of commands and instructions used
to define, manipulate and control data within a database. Each language type
plays a distinct role in database management, ensuring efficient storage,
retrieval and security of data. The primary database languages include:
1. Data Definition Language (DDL)
DDL is the short name for Data Definition Language, which deals with
database schemas and descriptions, of how the data should reside in the
database.
CREATE: to create a database and its objects like (table, index, views,
store procedure, function and triggers)
ALTER: alters the structure of the existing database
DROP: delete objects from the database
TRUNCATE: remove all records from a table, including all spaces
allocated for the records are removed
COMMENT: add comments to the data dictionary
RENAME: rename an object
2. Data Manipulation Language (DML)
DML focuses on manipulating the data stored in the database, enabling users
to retrieve, add, update and delete data.
SELECT: retrieve data from a database
INSERT: insert data into a table
UPDATE: updates existing data within a table
DELETE: Delete all records from a database table
MERGE: UPSERT operation (insert or update)
CALL: call a PL/SQL or Java subprogram
EXPLAIN PLAN: interpretation of the data access path
LOCK TABLE: concurrency Control
3. Data Control Language (DCL)
DCL commands manage access permissions, ensuring data security by
controlling who can perform certain actions on the database.
GRANT: Provides specific privileges to a user (e.g., SELECT, INSERT).
REVOKE: Removes previously granted permissions from a user.
4. Transaction Control Language (TCL)
TCL commands oversee transactional data to maintain consistency, reliability
and atomicity.
ROLLBACK: Undoes changes made during a transaction.
COMMIT: Saves all changes made during a transaction.
SAVEPOINT: Sets a point within a transaction to which one can later
roll back.
5. Data Query Language (DQL)
DQL is a subset of DML, specifically focused on data retrieval.
SELECT: The primary DQL command, used to query data from the
database without altering its structure or contents.
Applications of DBMS
Banking: Manages accounts and transactions.
E-commerce: Tracks products, orders, and customers.
Healthcare: Stores patient records and diagnoses.
Education: Handles student grades and schedules.
Social Media: Manages user profiles and interactions.
Data Science: Supports analytics and predictions.
