Database
Management
systems
Lecturer 1:
Introduction to Databases
Mr. Kenneth Baguma
0782 285102
kbaguma@must.ac.ug
Chapter 1 - Objectives
Some common uses of database systems.
Characteristics of file-based systems.
Problems with file-based approach.
Meaning of the term database.
Meaning of the term Database Management System (DBMS).
Typical functions of a DBMS.
Major components of the DBMS environment.
Personnel involved in the DBMS environment.
History of the development of DBMSs.
Advantages and disadvantages of DBMSs.
Key Definitions
Database
Is a collection of related data
Self-describing collection of integrated records
designed to meet the information needs of an
organization
Database Management System (DBMS)
The software that manages and controls access to
the database
A software system that enables users to define,
create, maintain, and control access to the
database
Key Definitions II
Database Application
A program that interacts with a database (by issuing
an appropriate request using a query language via
the DBMS) at some point in its execution.
Database System
A collection of application programs that interact
with a database along with the DBMS and the
database itself
Examples of Database Applications
Purchases from the supermarket
Booking a holiday at the travel agents
Taking out insurance
Using the Internet
Studying at university
Etc......
File-Based Approach
File-Based System
Is a Collection of application programs that perform services
for the end users (e.g. reports).
Distinguishing Characteristic
Each program defines and manages its own data while
database applications...?
When does a manual filling system become inappropriate?
We use the scenario of a real estate company
The file based system was developed in response to the need to
have access to cross-reference or processed data
File-Based Processing
Limitations of File-Based Approach
Separation and isolation of data
Each program maintains its own set of data.
Users of one program may be unaware of potentially
useful data held by other programs.
Duplication of data
Same data is held by different programs.
Wasted space and potentially different values and/or
different formats for the same item.
Limitations of File-Based Approach
Data dependence
File structure is defined in the program code.
Incompatible file formats
Programs are written in different languages, and so cannot
easily access each other’s files.
Fixed Queries/Proliferation of application programs
Programs are written to satisfy particular functions.
Any new requirement needs a new program.
Database Approach
Arose because:
Definition of data was embedded in application programs,
rather than being stored separately and independently.
No control over access and manipulation of data beyond that
imposed by application programs.
Result:
the database and Database Management System (DBMS).
Database
Shared collection of logically related data (and a description
of this data), designed to meet the information needs of an
organization.
System catalog / data dictionary / metadata (the data about
data) provides description of data to enable program–data
independence.
Logically related data comprises entities, attributes, and
relationships of an organization’s information.
Database Management System (DBMS)
A software system that enables users to define, create,
maintain, and control access to the database.
(Database) application program: a computer program that
interacts with database by issuing an appropriate request
(SQL statement) to the DBMS.
Database Management System
(DBMS)
Database Approach
Data definition language (DDL).
Permits specification of data types, structures and any
data constraints.
All specifications are stored in the database.
Data manipulation language (DML).
General enquiry facility (query language) of the data.
Database Approach
Controlled access to database may include:
a security system
an integrity system
a concurrency control system
a recovery control system
a user-accessible catalog.
Views
Allowseach user to have his or her own view of the
database.
A view is essentially some subset of the database.
Views - Benefits
Reduce complexity
Provide a level of security
Provide a mechanism to customize the appearance of the
database
Present a consistent, unchanging picture of the structure of
the database, even if the underlying database is changed
Components of DBMS Environment
Components of DBMS Environment
Hardware
Can range from a PC to a network of computers.
Software
DBMS, operating system, network software (if
necessary) and also the application programs.
Data
Used by the organization and a description of this data called
the schema.
Components of DBMS Environment
Procedures
Instructions and rules that should be applied to
the design and use of the database and DBMS.
People
The DB environment and the
people involved
Roles in the Database Environment
DataAdministrator (DA)
Database Administrator (DBA)
Database Designers (Logical and Physical)
Application Programmers
End Users (naive and sophisticated)
Data base guys hold responsible
jobs and are
well-paid!
History of Database Systems
First-generation
Hierarchical and Network
Second generation
Relational
Third generation
Object-Relational
Object-Oriented
Advantages of DBMSs
Control of data redundancy
Data consistency
More information from the same amount of data
Sharing of data
Improved data integrity
Improved security
Enforcement of standards
Economy of scale
Balance conflicting requirements
Improved data accessibility and responsiveness
Increased productivity
Improved maintenance through data independence
Increased concurrency
Improved backup and recovery services
Disadvantages of DBMSs
Complexity
Size
Cost of DBMS
Additional hardware costs
Cost of conversion
Performance
Higher impact of a failure
Any Questions???
Questions
State 3 other examples of database applications
Explain the difference between the database Approach and File-
based Approach
List chronologically the three different Approaches to storing,
managing and retrieving data
For the first two use a scenario to explain why they would be
inappropriate. This question seeks justifications for using one
approach against the other
What are the characteristics of file-based Systems
Define the terms Database, DBMS, Database Application,
Database System, file-based application, System Catalog.
Explain the need for a DBMS.
State the major components of a DBMS Environment and the
function of each.
Describe the functions of personnel normally working within the
DBMS Environment
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a DBMS?
