Introduction to
Database
Ahsan Ellahi
Course Overview
• Introduction to database
• Database system architecture
• Data dependencies and models
• Database development and database Administration
• ER\EER Models
• Relational Data model
• Normalization
• Transection Management and concurrency control
• Data Warehouse concepts
Today Contents
• Data
• Information
• Data processing
• Difference between
• Manual file base system
• Computerized file based system
• Database and Database Management system (DBMS)
• Relationship between DBMS and Application Program
Data
• Data is distinct pieces of information, usually formatted in a special way.
• Raw facts and figures are called Data.
• Stored representations of objects and events that have meaning and
importance in the user’s environment. (Jeffrey A. Hoffer)
• Data are recorded facts and numbers (Database processing)
Types of Data
• i) Numeric and Alpha-Numeric
• ii) Simple and Compound data
Facts and Figures
Information
• Data that have been processed in such a way as to increase the
knowledge of the person who uses the data is called information
• Information is knowledge that you get about someone or something :
facts or details about a subject.
Metadata
• Data that describe the properties or characteristics of end-user data
and the context of those data.
• Metadata are data that describe the properties or characteristics of
end-user data and the context of that data. Some of the properties
that are typically described include data names, definitions, length (or
size), and allowable values.
Manual and computerized file
systems
• File-based systems were an early attempt to computerize the manual
filing system. File-based system is a collection of application programs
that perform services for the end-users, such as updating, insertion,
deletion adding new files to database etc. Each program defines and
manages its data.
• When a computer user wants to store data electronically they must
do so by placing data in files. Files are stored in specific locations on
the hard disk (directories). The user can create new files to place data
in, delete a file that contains data, rename the file, etc which is known
as file management
Disadvantages of File processing
system
• DUPLICATION OF DATA
• PROGRAM-DATA DEPENDENCE
• LIMITED DATA SHARING
• LENGTHY DEVELOPMENT TIMES
• EXCESSIVE PROGRAM MAINTENANCE
Database
• An organized collection of logically related data is called database
• Database: A shared collection of logically related data, designed to meet
the information needs of multiple users in an organization.
• A collection of information organized and presented to serve a specific
purpose. (A telephone book is a common database.) A computerized
database is an updated, organized file of machine readable information that
is rapidly searched and retrieved by computer.
• A Computerized representation of any organizations flow of information
and storage of data.
Database Examples
• Web indexes • Train timetables
• Library catalogues • Airline bookings
• Medical records • Credit card details
• Bank accounts • Student records
• Stock control • Customer histories
• Personnel systems • Stock market prices
• Product catalogues • Discussion boards
• Telephone directories • and so on…
Database Management system
• A database management system (DBMS) is a software system that
enables the use of a database approach. The primary purpose of a
DBMS is to provide a systematic method of creating, updating,
storing, and retrieving the data stored in a database. It enables
end users and application programmers to share data, and it enables
data to be shared among multiple applications rather than
propagated and stored in new files for every
new application (Mullins, 2002).
Advantages of the Database
Approach
• Program-data independence
• Planned data redundancy
• Improved data consistency
• Improved data sharing
• Increased productivity of application development
• Enforcement of standards
• Improved data quality
• Improved data accessibility and responsiveness
• Reduced program maintenance
• Improved decision support
Components of DBMS
• Users
• Database application
• DBMS
• Database
Types of databases
• Relational Databases
• Operational Databases
• Database Warehouses
• Distributed Databases
• End-User Databases
Questions
• Assignment
• Database timeline from 1970 to present