Introduction to Databases

Class X – Information Technology (IT/ITeS)

Introduction to Databases
Every day, we use information that is stored in an organised manner. When we book a train ticket, check our
SSC examination results, apply for a scholarship, or visit a hospital, our details are stored in a computer
system. These organised collections of information are called databases.

A database is a structured collection of related data that is stored electronically so that it can be easily
accessed, managed, updated, and retrieved whenever required.

In Telangana, many government services use databases to maintain records. For example, student details in
the Telangana SSC Board, scholarship information in the ePASS Portal, land records in Bhu Bharathi,
and health records in government hospitals are all maintained using databases.

Data and Information

Although the terms data and information are often used together, they have different meanings.

Data

Data refers to raw facts and figures that have not yet been processed. Data may consist of numbers, names,
dates, text, images, audio, or videos.

Examples of Data:

 Student names
 Roll numbers
 Marks obtained in examinations
 Aadhaar numbers
 Mobile numbers
 Attendance records

For example, the marks scored by students in Mathematics, Science, and English are simply data until they
are processed.

Information

Information is processed and organised data that is meaningful and useful for decision-making.

For example, after processing students' marks, the school prepares:

 Progress Cards
 Rank Lists
 Pass Percentage Reports
 Attendance Reports

These reports help teachers, students, and parents understand academic performance.
Example: Student Examination Data
Roll No. Student Name Mathematics Science English Total
101 Raju 82 78 85 245
102 Lakshmi 90 88 92 270
103 Srinivas 76 81 79 236

The individual subject marks are data, whereas the calculated total marks and result report represent
information.

Database Management System (DBMS)

A Database Management System (DBMS) is software used to create, store, organise, update, and retrieve
data efficiently.

Instead of searching through registers or files manually, a DBMS allows users to find information quickly
and accurately.

Some commonly used DBMS software includes:

 LibreOffice Base
 Microsoft Access
 MySQL
 Oracle Database

Schools, banks, hospitals, railway reservation systems, and government departments use DBMS to manage
large amounts of information.

Advantages of Using a DBMS

1. Organised Storage

A DBMS stores data systematically, making it easy to search and retrieve information whenever needed.

Telangana Example:
Student admission details in PM SHRI Telangana Model Schools are stored digitally, allowing teachers to
access records instantly.

2. Fast Data Retrieval

Information can be searched within seconds using roll numbers, names, or IDs.
Example:
A student can quickly check SSC examination results using the Hall Ticket Number.

3. Reduced Data Redundancy

Data redundancy means storing the same information multiple times.
A DBMS stores data only once, reducing duplication and saving storage space.

Example:
A student's Aadhaar number is stored once and can be used across different school records.

4. Improved Data Accuracy

Updating information in one place automatically reflects wherever it is used.

Example:
If a student changes their mobile number in the school database, the updated number becomes available for
attendance, examination, and scholarship records.

5. Better Data Sharing

Different departments can access the same database simultaneously.

Example:
The school office, examination branch, and library can all use the same student database without maintaining
separate records.

6. Easy Data Analysis

DBMS helps generate reports, charts, and summaries.

Example:
The Principal can generate reports showing:

 Highest marks in the school

 Class-wise attendance
 Subject-wise pass percentage
 Scholarship beneficiaries

Real-Life Telangana Examples of Databases

Department Database Usage
Telangana SSC Board Student examination records
ePASS Telangana Scholarship applications
Dharani Portal Land registration records
MeeSeva Citizen service records
Government Hospitals Patient records
Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) Bus reservation and passenger details
Public Libraries Book issue and return records
PM SHRI Telangana Model Schools Student admission and attendance records

Data Models (One-Page Notes)

Class X – Information Technology (IT/ITeS)
Learning Outcomes

After studying this topic, students will be able to:

 Define a data model and explain its purpose.

 Identify different types of data models.
 Differentiate between Hierarchical, Network, and Relational Data Models.
 Relate data models to real-life applications in Telangana.
Data Models
A Data Model is a method of organizing and storing data in a database. It defines how data is arranged,
connected, and retrieved efficiently. Choosing a suitable data model makes data storage simple, secure, and
easy to access.

The three commonly used data models are:

1. Hierarchical Data Model

2. Network Data Model
3. Relational Data Model

1. Hierarchical Data Model

The Hierarchical Data Model stores data in a tree-like structure. It follows a Parent–Child relationship,
where one parent can have many child records, but each child has only one parent.

Features

 Tree structure
 One-to-many relationship
 Easy to understand
 Suitable for organised records

Telangana Example

The School Education Department stores information as follows:

PM SHRI School
→ Class X
→ Section A
→ Students

Similarly, the family details in a Ration Card database can be organised as:
Family Head → Family Members

2. Network Data Model

The Network Data Model is similar to the hierarchical model but allows a child record to have more than
one parent. It supports many-to-many relationships.

Features

 Flexible data structure

 Multiple relationships
 Faster data sharing
 Suitable for complex databases

Telangana Example

A teacher in a Telangana Model School may teach:

 Class IX
  Class X
 Intermediate First Year

Likewise, a student may participate in:

 Sports Club
 Science Club
 Eco Club

Here, one student can belong to multiple groups, making the Network Model suitable.

3. Relational Data Model

The Relational Data Model is the most widely used database model. It stores data in the form of tables
(rows and columns). Different tables are connected using a common field (Primary Key/Foreign Key).

Features

 Data stored in tables

 Easy to search and update
 Reduces duplication
 Most popular database model

Telangana Example

A school database may contain separate tables:

Student Table

Roll No Student Name Class

101 Raju X

Marks Table

Roll No Mathematics Science

101 85 90

Both tables are connected using the Roll Number.

Similarly, the Telangana SSC Board, MeeSeva, ePASS, and Dharani Portal use relational databases to
maintain millions of records efficiently.

Comparison of Data Models

Hierarchical Network Relational
Tree structure Network structure Table structure
Multiple parent-child
One parent, many children Data stored in rows and columns
relationships
Simple relationships Complex relationships Easy to manage and most widely used
Example: School → Class → Example: Student → Multiple Example: Student, Marks, Attendance
 Hierarchical Network Relational
Student Clubs Tables

Remember

Hierarchical = Tree 🌳 (One Parent → Many Children)

Network = Web (Many-to-Many Relationships)

Relational = Tables 📊 (Rows + Columns connected by common fields)

This condensed version is suitable for one textbook page and uses simple language with Telangana-based
examples, making it easy for Class X students to understand.

What is a Relational Database?

Introduced by E.F. Codd in 1970, this model organizes data into simple tables (rows and columns).
Different tables are linked or "related" to each other using common fields.

Think of it like a Telangana School Management System where you have one table for student details and
another table for fee collection. They connect using a unique ID.

Core Database Terminology

1. Entity (The "Subject")

An entity is any real-world object, person, or thing we want to store data about.

 Telangana Example: A Student studying at a PM SHRI Telangana Model School, or a Bus in the
TGSRTC fleet.

2. Table / Relation (The "Register")

A collection of related records organized in columns and rows.

 Telangana Example: The Student_Admission_Register containing details of all students in a class.

3. Field, Column, or Attribute (The "Headings")

The individual properties or characteristics that describe an entity. These form the vertical columns.

 Telangana Example: In a student register, the columns would be Student_Name, Date_of_Birth,

and Mandal_Name.

4. Data Value (The "Actual Entry")

The actual raw information written inside a specific cell.

 Telangana Example: ‘Kavitha’ (Name), ‘Ghanpur’ (Mandal), or ‘15-08-2012’ (DOB).

5. Record or Row / Tuple (The "Line Item")

A complete set of data values for a single entity, written horizontally across a row.

 Telangana Example: One complete row in your register showing: [Admission No: 501 | Name:
Rajesh | Class: 10 | Village: Station Ghanpur]

6. Primary Key (The "Unique Identity")

A specific column that uniquely identifies each individual row. It can never be empty (null), and no two
rows can have the same value.

 Telangana Example: The Admission Number of a student, or a citizen's Aadhaar Number. Two
students can have the same name (e.g., Anitha), but their Admission Numbers will always be
different.
 Composite Key: If you use two columns together to make a unique identity (like Class Section +
Roll Number), it is called a composite key.

Foreign Key (The Connector)

A field in one table that points to a primary key in another table. It is used to link the two tables together.

 Example: Imagine an Admission Table with Enrolment_Number as the unique ID. Now, look at a
Marks Table tracking student scores in subjects like Vocational IT or Maths. By placing
Enrolment_Number inside the Marks Table, you link the scores directly back to the correct student.

Candidate Key (The Eligible Candidates)

Any column (or combination of columns) that qualifies to be a primary key because it contains completely
unique values for every single row.

 Telangana Example: In a school staff register, both Aadhaar Number and Employee ID are
unique and cannot be blank. Both are excellent "candidates" to uniquely identify a teacher.

Alternate Key (The Backup)

Out of all the eligible candidate keys, one is chosen as the main Primary Key. The remaining leftover unique
keys are called alternate keys.

 Telangana Example: If the school database officially selects Employee ID as the Primary Key, then
the Aadhaar Number becomes the Alternate (backup) Key.

2. Core Objects of an RDBMS

A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) relies on four main functional tools or "objects" to
handle data:

 Table: The foundational building block where raw data is physically stored in rows (records) and
columns (fields).
 Forms: A user-friendly digital screen with text boxes and buttons that lets a user easily type in data
without looking at a complex spreadsheet.
o Local Use: A simple digital screen used to type in and submit student attendance or marks.
 Queries: A specific question or request sent to the database to filter out exactly what you need.
o Local Use: Asking the system: "Show me only the names of students who scored above 75
marks in their Vocational subject."
 Reports: A clean, beautifully formatted layout used to display or print the results of a query for
official use.
o Local Use: Printing out a formal Progress Report or a final marks memo to share during a
parent-teacher meeting.