Database

A database is a logically coherent

collection of data with some inherent
meaning e.g. address book

A database is designed, built, and

populated with data for a specific
purpose
Database

A database may be generated and

maintained manually, for example,
a library card catalog.

A computerized database is usually

maintained by a set of programs.
Data Hierarchy

File (Collection of related records)

Record (data elements that relate to a

particular object or activity)

Data element (smallest unit of data)

Traditional Approach

Programming with files or file-processing

Files linked to a specific application

Structure of data files is embedded in the

application programs
File Processing -
Disadvantages

File structure changes usually result in

program changes
Data redundancy or duplication
Wasted space
Naming problems
Inconsistency because of lack of
synchronization in updating the duplicated
data
File Processing -
Disadvantages

Diffused data ownership

programmers “own” data accessed by their
programs
Result - inconsistent, inaccurate, and
unreliable information
Database Approach

A single repository of data which is

accessed by various users

Database system contains the database

and a complete description of the
database called meta-data
Database Approach -
Advantages

Program - data independence

Ability to change data structure without
making changes to the programs

User is not constrained by the physical

organization of data
Database Management
System (DBMS)

DBMS is a collection of programs that

enables users to create and maintain a
database

DBMS is a general-purpose software that

facilitates the process of defining
constructing and manipulating databases
for various applications
DBMS (Contd.)

DBMS functions
Defining a database (data types, structures,
and constraints)
Constructing the database (storing the data)
Manipulating the database (querying,
updating and report generation)
DBMS software + database = database
system
A Simplified Database System
Environment
Users/Programmers

DATABASE Application Programs/Queries

SYSTEM
DBMS Software to Process
Software Queries/Programs

Software to Access
Stored Data

Stored Database
Definition Stored Database
(Meta-Data)
DBMS (Contd.)

Data hierarchy in a Database Approach

Database (collection of interrelated files)
File
• Record
– Data element

Means to integrate the contents of files

that have logical relationship
Database Structures

Logical integration of files through explicit

relationships - for example, “link” fields in
a hierarchical structure

Implicit relationships - relationships that

can be implied from existing record data
as in a relational structure
Database Approach -
“Disadvantages”

Need for DBMS software which could be

expensive

Larger hardware configuration may be

needed

Dedicated staff
Database Staff

Database Administrator (DBA)

authorizes access to the database
co-ordinates and monitors database use
acquires software and hardware resources
accountable for security and response time
problems
Database Staff (Contd.)

Analysts/Database designers
get user requirements
identify data to be stored
choose appropriate structures
develop a “view” of the database that meets
user requirements
Programmers