M06a - The Database Management System
M06a - The Database Management System
M06a - The Database Management System
The DBMS is a special software system that is programmed to know which data elements each
user is authorized to access. The user’s program sends requests for data to the DBMS,
1) hierarchical model – Database model that represents data in a hierarchical structure and
permits only a single parent record for each child record.
2) network model – Variation of the hierarchical model
3) relational models - Data model that is more flexible than traditional navigational models.
It allows users to create new and unique paths through the database to solve a wide range
of business problems.
1) USERS – Individuals who employ systems, receive information, and act on the
information received. Two ways how users access the database:
a. Via user application programs that systems professionals prepare. These
programs send data access requests (calls) to the DBMS, which validates the
requests and retrieves the data for processing. Under this mode of access, the
presence of the DBMS is transparent to the users. Data processing procedures (both
batch and real-time) for transactions such as sales, cash receipts, and purchases are
essentially the same as they would be in the flat-file environment.
b. Via direct query, which requires no formal user programs. The DBMS has a built-
in query facility that allows authorized users to process data independent of
professional programmers. The query facility provides a friendly environment for
integrating and retrieving data to produce ad hoc management reports
2) DBMS – Software system that controls access to the data resource.
Typical features of DBMS
a. Program development – The DBMS contains application development software.
Both programmers and end users may employ this feature to create applications to
access the database
b. Backup and recovery – During processing, the DBMS periodically makes backup
copies of the physical database. In the event of a disaster (for example, disk failure,
program error, or malicious act) that renders the database unusable, the DBMS can
recover an earlier version that is known to be correct. Although some data loss may
occur, without the backup and recovery feature, the database would be vulnerable
to total destruction.
c. Database usage reporting – This feature captures statistics on what data are being
used, when they are used, and who uses them. This information is used by the
database administrator (DBA) to help assign user authorization and maintain the
database.
d. Database access – The most important feature of a DBMS is to permit authorized
user access, both formal and informal, to the database.
Another important function of the DBA is the creation and maintenance of the data
dictionary. The data dictionary describes every data element in the database. This
enables all users (and programmers) to share a common view of the data resource, thus
greatly facilitating the analysis of user needs. The data dictionary may be in both paper
form and online. Most DBMSs employ special software for managing the data
dictionary.
4) PHYSICAL DATABASE - Lowest level of the database and the only level that exists in
physical form. The physical database consists of magnetic spots on metallic coated disks.
The other levels of the database (the user view, conceptual view, and internal view) are
abstract representations of the physical level. At the physical level, the database forms a
logical collection of records and files that constitute the firm’s data resource. This section
deals with the data structures used in the physical database.