UNIT 1 – DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DBMS)

1. Introduction

 A database is a collection of interrelated data stored together without harmful or

unnecessary redundancy.

 The main objective of a database is to provide a convenient and e icient way of

storing and retrieving information.

 A Database Management System (DBMS) is a software package used to create,

maintain, and manage databases.

 A database system requires proper planning and design before implementation.

 System analysis and design involve software development activities for creating
a new system or improving an existing one.

 The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a systematic approach used for
developing and maintaining information systems.

 Data Flow Diagram (DFD) and Entity Relationship (ER) model are commonly used
tools for documenting and designing systems.

2. Database System

 Database systems and applications developed to process stored data have

evolved over many years.

 In the early 1960s, magnetic tapes were mainly used for storing and processing
data.

 These systems had limitations because data could only be accessed

sequentially.

 The introduction of hard disks improved database systems because data could
be accessed directly.

 The development of hierarchical and network database models improved data

management.

 Later, relational database systems were developed and became the most widely
used database model.

 Continuous improvements in hardware and software have increased the

capabilities of modern database systems.
3. Advantages of DBMS

Centralized Management and Control

 A DBMS provides centralized control of the database through a Database

Administrator (DBA).

 The DBA manages the database, controls user access, and maintains the overall
performance of the database system.

 Centralized management ensures consistency and proper control over data.

Data Sharing and Reduced Redundancy

 A DBMS allows multiple users to access and share the same data.

 It reduces unnecessary duplication of data by storing information in an organized

manner.

 Reduced redundancy saves storage space and maintains data consistency.

Data Integrity

 A DBMS maintains the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data.

 It uses rules and constraints to prevent incorrect or invalid data entry.

 Data integrity ensures that information stored in the database remains accurate.

Security

 A DBMS provides security mechanisms to protect data from unauthorized

access.

 Di erent users can be given di erent levels of permissions based on their

requirements.

 It ensures privacy and confidentiality of information.

Backup and Recovery

 A DBMS provides backup facilities to protect data from accidental loss or system
failures.

 Lost or damaged data can be restored using backup copies.

 Backup and recovery improve the reliability of the database system.

4. Disadvantages of DBMS

High Implementation Cost

  The initial cost of implementing a DBMS is high because it requires expensive
hardware, software, and trained personnel.

 Organizations must spend money on installation, configuration, and training.

Maintenance Cost

 A DBMS requires regular maintenance, updates, and monitoring.

 The cost of maintaining the system can be high.

Complexity

 DBMS software is complex and requires skilled professionals to design and

manage the database.

 Users may require proper training to use the system e ectively.

Performance Overhead

 A DBMS may require additional memory and processing power.

 For small applications, the overhead of using a DBMS may reduce performance.

5. Characteristics of DBMS

Data Representation

 A DBMS represents data in a clear and meaningful way.

 It allows users to understand and access data without knowing the physical
storage details.

 Data can be organized using di erent database models.

Data Independence

 Data independence means changes made at one level of the database do not
a ect other levels.

 It separates physical storage from the way users view data.

 This makes the database easier to modify and maintain.

Controlled Redundancy

 A DBMS controls unnecessary duplication of data.

 It improves consistency and reduces storage requirements.

 It prevents problems caused by maintaining multiple copies of the same data.

Data Integrity

 DBMS ensures accuracy, consistency, and reliability of stored data.

 Integrity constraints prevent incorrect data from entering the database.

Security and Privacy

 A DBMS protects data from unauthorized access.

 It provides access permissions based on user roles.

 It ensures confidentiality of sensitive information.

Backup and Recovery

 A DBMS allows the creation of backup copies of data.

 It can recover lost data after system failure or accidental deletion.

Performance

 A DBMS provides e icient methods for storing, retrieving, and processing data.

 Optimization techniques are used to improve the speed of database operations.

6. DBMS Architecture (Three-Schema Architecture)

Internal Level (Physical Level)

 The internal level is the lowest level of database architecture.

 It describes how data is physically stored in storage devices.

 It deals with files, indexes, and physical storage structures.

 It focuses on e icient storage and retrieval of data.

Conceptual Level (Logical Level)

 The conceptual level describes the complete logical structure of the database.

 It defines the data stored and the relationships among data.

 It provides an overall view of the database for the Database Administrator.

 It hides physical storage details from users.

External Level (View Level)

 The external level is the highest level of database architecture.

 It describes the part of the database that individual users can access.
  Di erent users can have di erent views according to their needs.

 It improves security by restricting access to specific information.

7. Database Models

Hierarchical Database Model

 The hierarchical model organizes data in a tree-like structure.

 Records are connected using parent-child relationships.

 One parent can have many child records, but a child has only one parent.

 It is suitable for applications with a hierarchical structure.

Network Database Model

 The network model represents data using records and links.

 A record can have multiple parent and child records.

 It supports many-to-many relationships.

 It provides greater flexibility than the hierarchical model.

Relational Database Model

 The relational model stores data in the form of tables.

 Tables contain rows and columns where rows represent records and columns
represent attributes.

 Relationships between tables are created using keys.

 It is the most popular and widely used database model because of its simplicity
and flexibility.

8. System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Feasibility Study

 It is the first stage of SDLC.

 It determines whether the proposed system is technically, economically, and

operationally possible.

 It helps decide whether the project should continue.

System Analysis
  It studies the existing system and identifies user requirements.

 The problems of the current system are analyzed.

 Requirements for the new system are collected and documented.

System Design

 It defines the structure and components of the new system.

 It includes the design of databases, input and output formats, and system
procedures.

Coding

 Coding converts the system design into programs using programming languages.

 Programmers develop the system based on design specifications.

Testing

 Testing identifies and removes errors from the system.

 It ensures the system works according to the specified requirements.

Implementation

 The completed system is installed and made available to users.

 Users are trained to operate the new system.

Maintenance

 Maintenance involves correcting errors and improving the system after

implementation.

 It ensures the system continues to function e ectively.

9. Data Flow Diagram (DFD)

 A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation of the flow of data

within a system.

 It shows how data enters a system, how it is processed, stored, and transferred.

Components of DFD

Process

 A process represents an activity that converts input data into output data.

Data Flow
  Data flow represents the movement of data between processes, data stores, and
external entities.

Data Store

 A data store is a place where data is stored for future use.

External Entity

 An external entity represents a person, organization, or another system that

provides input to or receives output from the system.