DATABASE BASICS
Meaning of Database (DB)
Any piece of information can be referred to as a data and the place where this data is stored
in a way that it is easily accessible and can also be modified whenever required is known as a
Database.
Database Management System (DBMS)
● DBMS is actually a tool or collection of programs that enables us to perform any kind
of operation on a data stored in a database.
● Database Management System allows you to store, modify and extract information
whenever required. It comprises of 4 essential components namely –
o User: A user may be of any kind like a DB administrator, system developer and
an end user.
o Database Applications: It may be departmental, personal computer or an
enterprise.
o DBMS: software which allows us to manage the data stored in database
o Database
DBMS Examples
There are many examples of DBMS ranging from small systems that runs on your computer
to huge ones used in a Mainframe computer. Let's look at some examples of DBMS listed
below!
● MySQL
● PostgreSQL
● Microsoft Access
● SQL Server
● Oracle
● RDBMS (Relational Database Management System)
● dBase
● Clipper
● FoxPro
● FileMaker
Types of DBMS
There are 4 major types of Database Management Systems.
● Hierarchical Database - rarely used nowadays, uses one to many relations for data
elements.
● Network Database - results in complex database structures as it uses many to many
relations.
● Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) - most popular in the DBMS
market, does not support many to many relations. eg -MySQL, Oracle
● Object Oriented Database Management System (OODBMS) - products based on this
type of DBMS is still in their infancy, it supports conversion of data in the form of
attributes. eg- PostgreSQL
History of Database Management System
● DBMS has evolved a lot since its birth in 1960s
● Beginning with Networking & Hierarchical databases developed by Charles
[Link].
● Relational Model was proposed by Ted Codd in 1970.
● Entity - Relational Model defined by Peter Chen in 1976.
● Maturation of Relational Database and SQL took place in 1970.
● Object Oriented Database developed in 1985.
● Finally, first Internet database applications were created in 1995.
● In today's time we use Structured Query Language (SQL), Not only SQL (NoSQL) and
Cloud database.
Functions of DBMS
● Manages data dictionaries that stores definition of various data elements and their
relationships.
● Provides storage for not only a data but also all related data like procedural codes,
data validation and entry forms.
● Transforms and presents data according to the user’s expectations.
● DBMS provides data privacy by using security systems in a multi user database
interface.
● Allows multiple users to access any data at the same point of time without any
discrepancies.
● Ensures easy data recovery and back up in order to protect its integrity.
● It allows users to communicate and transact via emails and many other
communication modes.
Purpose of Database Management Systems
● Database Management System is built to overcome the drawbacks of typical file
processing systems.
● DBMS has reduced the data inconsistencies and difficulty in accessing data.
● It supports concurrent multiple users and ensures security of data.
● It also solves the integrity problem.
Difference between File system & DBMS
File System
● File system is a collection of data. Any management with the file system, user has to
write the procedures.
● File system gives the details of the data representation and Storage of data.
● In File system storing and retrieving of data cannot be done efficiently.
● Concurrent access to the data in the file system has many problems like reading the
file while other deleting some information, updating some information.
● File system doesn’t provide crash recovery [Link]. While we are entering
some data into the file if System crashes then content of the file is lost.
● Protecting a file under file system is very difficult.
DBMS
● It is a collection of data and user is not required to write the procedures for
managing the database.
● DBMS provides an abstract view of data that hides the details.
● It is efficient to use since there are wide varieties of sophisticated techniques to store
and retrieve the data.
● It takes care of Concurrent access using some form of locking.
● DBMS has crash recovery mechanism, DBMS protects user from the effects of system
failures.
● DBMS has a good protection mechanism.
Working with a Database
The DBMS interface presents the user with data and the tools required to work with the
data.
● Creating tables: The first step in building any database is to create one or more
tables. As we know tables hold the raw data that the DBMS will work with.
● Entering and editing data: It allows you to create or edit a data entry form. viewing
data: The way data appears on screen contributes to how well users can work with it.
● Querying the database: A query is a more powerful type of filter that can gather
information from multiple tables in a relational database.
● Sorting records: Sorting arranges records according to the contents of one or more
fields.
● Generating reports: A report is printed information that, like a query result, is
assembled by gathering data based on user supplied criteria.
Schema
A schema is also known as database schema. It is a logical design of the database and a
database instance is a snapshot of the data in the database at a given instant of time. A
relational schema consists of a list of attributes and their corresponding domains.
Types of Schemas
It can be classified into three parts, according to the levels of abstraction.
● Physical/Internal Schema: Describes the database design at the physical level.
● Logical/Conceptual Schema/Community User View: Describes the database design
at the logical level.
● Sub-schemas/View/External Schema: Describes different views of the database
views may be queried combined in queries with base relations, used to define other
views in general not updated freely.
