Hierarchical, Network and Relational data

base

Overview of

Hierarchy of data
BIT
All data is stored in a computers memory or storage devices in the form of binary digits or bits. A bit can be either ON of OFF representing 1 or 0.

BYTE
is a group of 8 bits. One byte can represent one character or, in different contexts, other data such as a sound, part of a picture etc.

FIELD
is a group of characters. e.g. data held about a person may be split into many fields including ID Number, Surname, Initials, Title, Street, Town, etc

RECORD
is a group of fields holding all the information about one person or item

FILE
a collection of records. A stock file will contain a record for each item of stock, and so on.

DATABASE
may consist of many different files, linked in such a way that information can be retrieved from several files at once.

Database Structures

Hierarchical

Relational
Network

Hierarchical Data Base Management System

Hierarchical Databases
This is the simplest type of database. The tree structure illustrates this concept.

Hierarchical Database Model

Logically represented by an upside down tree
Each parent can have many children Each child has only one parent

Hierarchical Database Model

Advantages
Conceptual simplicity Database security and integrity Data independence Efficiency Complex implementation Difficult to manage and lack of standards Lacks structural independence Applications programming and use complexity Implementation limitations (no M:N relationship)

Disadvantages

Hierarchical Databases
Information is accessed from the top to the bottom (top-down). Illustrates a parent-child relationship where each item relates only to the one above and below it. Disadvantage following the hierarchy is sometimes difficult, cumbersome, and time consuming.

Network Data Base Management System

Network Database Model

Each record can have multiple parents
Composed of sets - relationships Each set has owner record and member record Member may have several owners A set represents a 1:M relationship between the owner and the member

Network Databases
These types of databases have a less rigid structures than the hierarchical model. They permit the use of pointers to establish the shortest path to specific information.
This model is well suited for transaction processing like those found in banking, inventory control, and airline reservation systems.

Network Databases
Good for standardized operations. Disadvantage: Complex pointer implementation makes modification involved, and requires care to keep established links from being lost. When transactions are not predictable or stable, a relational database is a better model.

Network Database Model

Advantages
Conceptual simplicity Handles more relationship types Data access flexibility Promotes database integrity Data independence Conformance to standards

Disadvantages
System complexity Lack of structural independence

Relational Data Base Management System

Relational Database
Allows multiple associations using common fields in multiple databases. Arranged in a two-dimensional table format. Files are known as relations, fields are columns, and records are called rows. Performs the following: joining, projection, and selection.

Relational Database
Used in libraries effectively Users must define, create, and implement files. This is not automatically done by the relational database or database management system. Disadvantage: there is no way to link fields in a practical manner. Explicit links are formed by relations (or files rather than specific fields contained within files).

Relational database
data stored in tables must put data into the correct tables define relationship between tables primary key Standard Database Notation
EMPLOYEES (EmployeeID, Surname, Forename)

Relational Database Model

Advantages
Structural independence Improved conceptual simplicity Easier database design, implementation, management, and use Ad hoc query capability with SQL Powerful database management system

Relational Database Model

Disadvantages
Substantial hardware and system software overhead Poor design and implementation is made easy May promote islands of information problems