Databases and
Database
Management
Systems
Summary
Introduction
Example of a University Database
Characteristics of Database Approach
Database Users
Advantages of DBMS Approach
When Not to Use a DBMS
Introduction
Data
Known facts that can be recorded and have an implicit meaning.
Database
A collection of related data.
Mini-world
Also known as Universe of Discourse (UoD)
Some part of the real world about which data is stored in a database.
For example, student grades and transcripts at a university.
Introduction
Database Management System (DBMS)
A software package/ system to facilitate the creation and
maintenance of a computerized database.
Database System
The DBMS software together with the data itself. Sometimes, the
applications are also included.
Database System Environment
Example
Mini-world for the example
Part of a UNIVERSITY environment
Mini-world entities
STUDENTs
COURSEs
SECTIONs (of COURSEs)
DEPARTMENTs (academic)
INSTRUCTORs
Example
Mini-world relationships
SECTIONs are of specific COURSEs
STUDENTs take SECTIONs
COURSEs have prerequisite COURSEs
INSTRUCTORs teach SECTIONs
COURSEs are offered by DEPARTMENTs
STUDENTs major in DEPARTMENTs
Characteristics of Database
Approach
Self-Describing Nature of a Database System
Database system stores both database and description of the
database.
A DBMS catalog stores the description of the database.
For example, structure of each file, the type and storage format of each
data item, and various constraints on the data.
The description is called meta-data.
This allows the DBMS software to work with different databases.
Characteristics of Database
Approach
Insulation between Programs and Data
Also called program-data independence .
Allows changing data storage structures and operations without having
to change the DBMS access programs.
Data Abstraction
A data model is used to hide storage details and present the users with
a conceptual view of the database.
Characteristics of Database
Approach
Support of Multiple Views of Data
Each user may see a different view of the database
Showing only the data of interest to each user.
Sharing of Data and Multiuser Transaction Processing
Multiuser DBMS allows multiple users to access the database at the
same time. It ensures that concurrent transactions operate correctly
and efficiently.
Transaction: An operation that includes one or more database accesses
such as reading or updating of database records.
Database Users
Database Administrators
Chief administrator to oversee and manage database, DBMS and
related software.
Database Designers
Responsible for identifying the data to be stored in the database and
for choosing appropriate structures to represent and store this data.
End Users
People who require access to the database for querying, updating and
generating reports. E.g. reservation agents for airlines
Advantages of DBMS Approach
Sharing of Data among Multiple Users
Restricting Unauthorized Access to Data
Providing Multiple Interfaces to Different Classes of Users
Controlling Redundancy in Data Storage
Representing Complex Relationships among Data
Providing Backup and Recovery Services
Potential for Enforcing Standards
Availability of Up-to-Date Information
Flexibility to Change Data Structures
Providing Persistent Storage for Program Objects
Reduced Application Development Time
When Not to Use a DBMS
Main Inhibitors (costs) of using a DBMS
High initial investment and possible need for additional
software/hardware.
Overhead for providing security, recovery, integrity and concurrency
control.
When a DBMS may be Unnecessary
Database and applications are simple, well defined and not expected
to change.
There are stringent, real-time requirements that may not be met
because of DBMS overhead.
Access to data by multiple users is not required.
When Not to Use a DBMS
When no DBMS may suffice
If the database system is not able to handle the complexity of data
because of modeling limitations.
CAD tools using drawings and 3D objects
If the database users need special operations not supported by the
DBMS.
