What is Database
• a structured set of data held in a computer.
• A database is an organized collection of data. It is the
collection of schemas, tables, queries, reports, views, and
other objects.
• A database is a collection of information that is organized so
that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated.
What is Database Management
System
A database management system (DBMS) is a collection of
programs that enables you to store, modify, and extract
information from a database.
Example
MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft Access, SQL Server, FileMaker,
Oracle, RDBMS, dBase, Clipper, and FoxPro
Advantages of Database Management
System
1. Controlling Data Redundancy
In non-database systems (traditional computer file processing),
each application program has its own files. In this case, the
duplicated copies of the same data are created at many places.
In DBMS, all the data of an organization is integrated into a
single database. The data is recorded at only one place in the
database and it is not duplicated.
2. Data Consistency
By controlling the data redundancy, the data consistency is
obtained. If a data item appears only once, any update to its
value has to be performed only once and the updated value
(new value of item) is immediately available to all users.
3. Data Sharing
In DBMS, data can be shared by authorized users of the
organization. The DBA manages the data and gives rights to
users to access the data. Many users can be authorized to
access the same set of information simultaneously. The remote
users can also share same data. Similarly, the data of same
database can be shared between different application
programs.
4. Data Integration
In DBMS, data in database is stored in tables. A single database
contains multiple tables and relationships can be created
between tables (or associated data entities). This makes easy to
retrieve and update data.
5. Integrity Constraints
Integrity constraints or consistency rules can be applied to
database so that the correct data can be entered into database.
The constraints may be applied to data item within a single
record or they may be applied to relationships between records.
6. Data security
protection of the database from unauthorized users. Only the
authorized persons are allowed to access the database. Some of
the users may be allowed to access only a part of database i.e.,
the data that is related to them or related to their department.
Mostly, the DBA or head of a department can access all the data
in the database. Some users may be permitted only to retrieve
data, whereas others are allowed to retrieve as well as to update
data.
7. Data Atomicity
A transaction in commercial databases is referred to as atomic unit
of work. For example, when you purchase something from a point of
sale (POS) terminal, a number of tasks are performed such as;
• Company stock is updated.
• Amount is added in company's account.
• Sales person's commission increases etc.
All these tasks collectively are called an atomic unit of work or
transaction. These tasks must be completed in all; otherwise partially
completed tasks are rolled back. Thus through DBMS, it is ensured
that only consistent data exists within the database.
8. Backup and Recovery Procedures
In a computer file-based system, the user creates the backup of data
regularly to protect the valuable data from damaging due to failures
to the computer system or application program. It is a time
consuming method, if volume of data is large. Most of the DBMSs
provide the 'backup and recovery' sub-systems that automatically
create the backup of data and restore data if required.
9. Control Over Concurrency
In a computer file-based system, if two users are allowed to
access data simultaneously, it is possible that they will interfere
with each other. For example, if both users attempt to perform
update operation on the same record, then one may overwrite
the values recorded by the other. Most DBMSs have sub-
systems to control the concurrency so that transactions are
always recorded" with accuracy.
10. Data Independence
The separation of data structure of database from the
application program that is used to access data from database
is called data independence. In DBMS, database and application
programs are separated from each other. The DBMS sits in
between them. You can easily change the structure of database
without modifying the application program.
Disadvantages of Database Management
System
1. Cost of Hardware & Software
A processor with high speed of data processing and memory of
large size is required to run the DBMS software. It means that
you have to upgrade the hardware used for file-based system.
Similarly, DBMS software is also Very costly.
2. Cost of Data Conversion
When a computer file-based system is replaced with a database
system, the data stored into data file must be converted to
database files. It is difficult and time consuming method to
convert data of data files into database. You have to hire DBA
(or database designer) and system designer along with
application programmers; Alternatively, you have to take the
services of some software houses. So a lot of money has to be
paid for developing database and related software.
3. Cost of Staff Training
Most DBMSs are often complex systems so the training for users
to use the DBMS is required. Training is required at all levels,
including programming, application development, and database
administration. The organization has to pay a lot of amount on
the training of staff to run the DBMS.
4. Appointing Technical Staff:
The trained technical persons such as database administrator
and application programmers etc… are required to handle the
DBMS. You have to pay handsome salaries to these persons.
Therefore, the system cost increases.
3. Database Failures
In most of the organizations, all data is integrated into a single
database. If database is corrupted due to power failure or it is
corrupted on the storage media, then our valuable data may be
lost or whole system stops.
