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Database Management Systems Overview

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7 views4 pages

Database Management Systems Overview

Uploaded by

emilyevansblack
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as RTF, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

TOPIC12: DATABASES

Database Management systems: refers a piece of software that manages


databases and lets you create, edit, maintain, and delete databases and their tables
and data. It can also be software which can be used to manage the data by storing it
on to the data base and by retrieving it from the data base.

Database is any collection of interrelated data that allows access, retrieval,


updating and manipulation; it can be words that you write on a piece of paper in a
digital form.

Popular examples of Database Management System software

 Microsoft Office Access • Amazon simple DB  IBM DB2


 My Structured Query • File Maker  Bento
Language(SQL) • Informix  Borland Database
 My SQL Server • ADABAS Engine
 Oracle • Teradata  DBase
 Postgress • Microsoft SQL server  FoxPro
 SQLite  Paradox

Functions of the Database Management Systems

 Enables one to create summary reports


 It provides an interface for a user to enter data
 Enables the use to create forms
 Allows easy access and retrieval of data
 Allows querying/filtering of some data

Common types of databases

A flat file database is made up of only one table.

A relational database can take information from two or more database tables and
combine them into a new table or report through the use of a key field.

1
Features of Database Management Software

Field-A field is a column in a table that contains a specific piece of information


within a record.

Record A record is a row in a table that contains information about a given person,
product, or event.

Validation rule-Is a method used to check that data falls within the appropriate
range or parameter defined by the database user.

Primary Key Is a field that uniquely identifies a record in a table. Before saving a
table, you should insert a primary key.

Foreign key: A key used in one table to represent the value of a primary key in a
related table.

Field name- Database feature assigned to each field to identify the different fields

Field properties-Determine how data is handled, stored and manipulated -Further


define data types and formats like field size, default values

Data type-Specify the kind of data a field can contain and how the field is used.

Queries-These allows you to filter and extract specified data from tables in the
databases

Relationships: These are mainly used in relation to relational databases.


Relationships allow relating tables with similar records and fields. One to one, One
to Many, many to many relationships can be created.

Forms allow you to enter or view data stored in your tables

Reports allow you to print data based on queries/tables that you have created

2
Advantages of using electronic database system

 A database can be used by many people at the same time.


 Data is frequently updated after each single entry.
 Data is automatically saved as soon as data is entered into a database.
 Data can be retrieved in different formats e.g query, forms, reports, e.t.c

Disadvantages of using electronic database

 They are very expensive to maintain and require initial cost


 They are very complicated and complex to us.
 They need technical requirements and knowledge.
 Require extra cost of hardware and software
 They consist of data failure.
 Consumes a lot of space on the hard drives
 Requires a lot of system currency and updating

Areas where a database can be used/applied

 Report card generation: a database can be used by schools to generate


report cards and necessary academic summaries.
 POS (Point of Sale): in a supermarket, a database is used to design and
automate a point of sale interface to manage money coming in, stock
movement, e.t.c. e.g. Standard Supermarket in Kampala.
 Banks: a big database is used to manage details about a customer’s
transaction with the bank.
 Electoral commission: it manages a database archive for all eligible voters
in a given country.
 Data warehouses: information bureau use a database to manage and
distribute information to users for example information about air travel by
various air companies.
 Stores: a database keeps consistent and reliable data. Very big stores used
databases to store, manage and automate store records.

3
Data validation checks

a) Presence check is to make sure that data is actually present.


b) Length check is to make sure that the number of characters entered is within
the limit.
c) Range check is to make sure that the data entered lies within a certain range.
d) Type check (also known as character check or alphanumeric check) is to
make sure that the data entered is of the correct data type (e.g., numeric or
alphabetic).
e) A check digit is an extra digit appended to a code consisting of a series of
numbers or characters to detect errors arising from transcription

Common questions

Powered by AI

Electronic database systems allow multiple users simultaneous access, frequent data updates, automatic data saving, and retrieval in multiple formats, which significantly boosts efficiency. However, they also pose disadvantages due to high maintenance costs, complexity, technical requirements, additional hardware/software costs, potential data failure, high space consumption, and demand for constant updates, impacting the cost-efficiency ratio .

Relational databases differ from flat-file databases as they allow information to be integrated from two or more database tables using a key field, whereas flat-file databases consist of only a single table. This integration in relational databases enables more complex queries and reports, enhancing data management and usage .

Data validation checks improve database reliability and accuracy by ensuring that data is present with presence checks, meets character limits with length checks, lies within appropriate ranges with range checks, is of correct data type with type checks, and is protected against transcription errors with check digits. These measures help maintain data integrity and prevent errors .

Database Management Systems (DBMS) provide key functions such as creating summary reports, offering an interface for entering data, enabling the creation of forms, allowing easy access and retrieval of data, and supporting querying/filtering. These functions together facilitate data handling and improve user interaction with databases .

Primary and foreign keys are crucial in relational databases. A primary key uniquely identifies each record in a table, ensuring data integrity. A foreign key, referring to a primary key in another table, establishes relationships between tables, enabling complex query execution and data integration across tables .

Incorporating field properties and data types in database design is essential because field properties define how data is handled, stored, and manipulated, which ensures efficient database operations. Data types specify the kind of data a field can hold, crucial for data validation and integrity, allowing appropriate data handling and retrieval .

Report generation capabilities in databases aid organizations by providing structured and comprehensive data insights. These reports offer summaries and analyses that support strategic planning and decision-making, enabling organizations to identify trends, assess performance, and make informed choices based on reliable data .

Maintaining complex electronic database systems is challenging due to high maintenance and initial costs, complexity of operation, technical skill requirements, additional costs for necessary hardware and software, risk of data failure, substantial storage requirements, and ongoing need for system updates and currency .

Queries enhance the functionality of a database management system by allowing users to filter and extract specified data from tables. This capability enables users to efficiently retrieve relevant data, which supports data analysis, report generation, and informed decision-making .

Databases are applied across various fields for different purposes. In schools, they generate report cards and academic summaries. Banks utilize large databases to manage customer transactions. Electoral commissions maintain databases to archive eligible voter lists. Each application showcases databases' role in efficiently handling large data volumes and automating key processes .

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