Introduction to Database
Chapter 1
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Introduction
• Database is a collection of related data
• Databases are managed and controlled using DBMS (Database
Management System) software
• Program that interacts with the database at some point in its
execution is know as database application
• More inclusive term database system as a collection of application
programs that interact with the database along with the DBMS and
the database itself
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Examples
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Traditional File-Based Systems
• File-based Approach
• Data-based Approach
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File-based Approach
• A collection of application programs that perform services for the
end-users, such as the production of reports. Each program defines
and manages its own data.
• Earlier conversion of manual filing system
• Logically related items can be stored in separate folders for easy
retrieval
• Works good for small data entries but multi file processing is not
available
• Excessive data duplication
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Limitations of the File-Based Approach
• Separation and isolation of data
• Duplication of data
• Data dependence
• Incompatible file formats
• Fixed queries of application programs
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Database Approach
• In file-based system data is embedded in the application programs,
rather than being stored separately and independently
• No control over the access and manipulation of data beyond that
imposed by the application programs
• In new devised approach, a shared collection of logically related data
and its description is designed to meet the information needs of an
organization
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Database
• Single, possibly large repository of data that can be used
simultaneously by many departments and users
• Data items are integrated with minimal duplication
• Data is shared among different entities of enterprise
• Data description (Metadata) is also stored
• Data abstraction
• Data structure is separated from program makes it data independent
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Database
• Entity
• Distinct object (a person, place, thing, concept, or event) in the organization
that is to be represented in the database
• Branch, Staff, PropertyForRent, Client, PrivateOwner, and Lease
• Attribute
• Property that describes some aspect of the object that we wish to record
• branchNo, staffNo, propertyNo, clientNo, ownerNo, and leaseNo.
• Relationship
• Association between entities
• Has, Offers, Oversees, Views, Owns, LeasedBy, and Holds
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Entity Relationship Diagram
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Database Management System (DBMS)
• Software system that enables users to define, create, maintain, and
control access to the database
• Define the database using DDL (Data Definition Language)
• DML (Data Manipulation Language) is used to insert, update, deletion
and retrieval
• SQL (Structured Query Language) most commonly used query
language
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Database Application Program
• Program that interacts with the database by issuing an appropriate
request (typically an SQL statement) to the DBMS
• Applications can be online or offline
• View mechanism allows each user to have own view of the database
to provide security, appearance customization, consistent and
unchanging structure
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Components of the DBMS Environment
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Roles in the Database Environment
• Data and Database Administrators
• Data Administrator is responsible for database planning; development and
maintenance of standards, policies and procedures; and conceptual/logical
database design
• Database Administrator is responsible for physical database design and
implementation, security and integrity control, maintenance of the
operational system, and ensuring satisfactory performance of the applications
for users
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Roles in the Database Environment
• Database Designers
• Logical Database Designer is concerned with identifying the data (that is, the
entities and attributes), the relationships between the data, and the
constraints on the data that is to be stored in the database
• Physical database designer decides how the logical database design is to be
converted to physical design
• Mapping the logical database design into a set of tables and integrity constraints
• Selecting specific storage structures and access methods for the data to achieve good
performance
• Designing any security measures required on the data
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Roles in the Database Environment
• Application Developers
• Works as per specifications by System Analyst
• Develops different operations on database like data retrieval, insertion,
updating and deleting
• End-Users
• Naïve Users
• Clients of database
• Use database operations with in-depth knowledge
• Sophisticated Users
• Familiar with the structure of the database
• Use high level SQL for different operations
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Advantages and Disadvantages of DBMSs
• Advantages
• Control of data redundancy
• Data consistency
• Data integrity
• Data security
• Data sharing
• Data accessibility and responsiveness
• Increased productivity
• Improved maintenance
• Increased concurrency
• Improved backup and recovery
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Advantages and Disadvantages of DBMSs
• Disadvantages
• Complexity
• Database size
• DBMS cost
• Hardware cost
• Conversion cost
• Performance
• Greater impact of failure
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