Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence
Chapter 1 Database Languages
and Interfaces
Introduction to Databases
The Database System
Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Yonas Y. Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 1

 Chapter 1
Introduction
Yonas Y.

Outline
Database approach and DBMS
Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS
Data Models, Schemas, and Instances
Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances
Three-Schema Architecture and Data Independence Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages and Interfaces Database Languages

and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment
The Database System Environment Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs
Centralized and Client/Server Architectures for DBMSs
Classification of
Database Management
Systems
Classification of Database Management Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 2

Introduction
A database is a collection of related data. By data,we mean known Chapter 1

facts that can be recorded and that have implicit meaning. Yonas Y.

Databases and database systems are an essential component of life in Outline

modern society: most of us encounter several activities every day that Introduction
involve some interaction with a database. Examples include: Database approach
and DBMS
I if we go to the bank to deposit or withdraw funds,
Data Models,
I if we access a computerized library catalogue to search for a Schemas, and
Instances
bibliographic item, Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
I if we purchase something online-such as a book, toy, or computer Independence
or Database Languages
and Interfaces
I if we make a hotel or airline reservation The Database System
Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 3

Introduction
A database is a collection of related data. By data,we mean known Chapter 1

facts that can be recorded and that have implicit meaning. Yonas Y.

Databases and database systems are an essential component of life in Outline

modern society: most of us encounter several activities every day that Introduction
involve some interaction with a database. Examples include: Database approach
and DBMS
I if we go to the bank to deposit or withdraw funds,
Data Models,
I if we access a computerized library catalogue to search for a Schemas, and
Instances
bibliographic item, Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
I if we purchase something online-such as a book, toy, or computer Independence
or Database Languages
and Interfaces
I if we make a hotel or airline reservation The Database System
Environment
These interactions are examples of what we may call traditional
Centralized and
database applications, in which most of the information that is stored Client/Server
and accessed is either textual or numeric. Architectures for
DBMSs

I Nowadays, new media technology has made it possible to store Classification of

Database Management
images, audio clips, and video streams digitally. These types of files Systems

are becoming an important component of multimedia databases.

I Geographic information systems (GIS) can store and analyze
maps, weather data, and satellite images.
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 4
 I Data warehouses and online analytical processing (OLAP)
systems are used in many companies to extract and analyze useful Chapter 1

business information from very large databases to support decision Yonas Y.

making. Outline

I Real-time and active database technology is used to control Introduction

industrial and manufacturing processes. Database approach

and DBMS
I Database search techniques are being applied to the World Wide Data Models,
Web to improve the search for information that is needed by users Schemas, and
Instances
browsing the Internet. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 5

 I Data warehouses and online analytical processing (OLAP)
systems are used in many companies to extract and analyze useful Chapter 1

business information from very large databases to support decision Yonas Y.

making. Outline

I Real-time and active database technology is used to control Introduction

industrial and manufacturing processes. Database approach

and DBMS
I Database search techniques are being applied to the World Wide Data Models,
Web to improve the search for information that is needed by users Schemas, and
Instances
browsing the Internet. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Generally, a database has the following implicit properties: Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

A database can be of any size and complexity.

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 6
 I Data warehouses and online analytical processing (OLAP)
systems are used in many companies to extract and analyze useful Chapter 1

business information from very large databases to support decision Yonas Y.

making. Outline

I Real-time and active database technology is used to control Introduction

industrial and manufacturing processes. Database approach

and DBMS
I Database search techniques are being applied to the World Wide Data Models,
Web to improve the search for information that is needed by users Schemas, and
Instances
browsing the Internet. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Generally, a database has the following implicit properties: Independence

Database Languages
I A database represents some aspect of the real world, sometimes and Interfaces
called the miniworld or the universe of discourse (UoD). Changes The Database System
to the miniworld are reflected in the database. Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

A database can be of any size and complexity.

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 7
 I Data warehouses and online analytical processing (OLAP)
systems are used in many companies to extract and analyze useful Chapter 1

business information from very large databases to support decision Yonas Y.

making. Outline

I Real-time and active database technology is used to control Introduction

industrial and manufacturing processes. Database approach

and DBMS
I Database search techniques are being applied to the World Wide Data Models,
Web to improve the search for information that is needed by users Schemas, and
Instances
browsing the Internet. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Generally, a database has the following implicit properties: Independence

Database Languages
I A database represents some aspect of the real world, sometimes and Interfaces
called the miniworld or the universe of discourse (UoD). Changes The Database System
to the miniworld are reflected in the database. Environment

Centralized and
I A database is a logically coherent collection of data with some Client/Server
Architectures for
inherent meaning. A random assortment of data cannot correctly DBMSs
be referred to as a database. Classification of
Database Management
Systems

A database can be of any size and complexity.

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 8
 I Data warehouses and online analytical processing (OLAP)
systems are used in many companies to extract and analyze useful Chapter 1

business information from very large databases to support decision Yonas Y.

making. Outline

I Real-time and active database technology is used to control Introduction

industrial and manufacturing processes. Database approach

and DBMS
I Database search techniques are being applied to the World Wide Data Models,
Web to improve the search for information that is needed by users Schemas, and
Instances
browsing the Internet. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Generally, a database has the following implicit properties: Independence

Database Languages
I A database represents some aspect of the real world, sometimes and Interfaces
called the miniworld or the universe of discourse (UoD). Changes The Database System
to the miniworld are reflected in the database. Environment

Centralized and
I A database is a logically coherent collection of data with some Client/Server
Architectures for
inherent meaning. A random assortment of data cannot correctly DBMSs
be referred to as a database. Classification of
Database Management
I A database is designed, built, and populated with data for a Systems

specific purpose. It has an intended group of users and some

preconceived applications in which these users are interested.
A database can be of any size and complexity.
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 9
A database management system (DBMS) is a collection of programs
that enables users to create and maintain a database.
The DBMS is a general-purpose software system that facilitates the Chapter 1

processes of defining, constructing, manipulating, and sharing databases Yonas Y.

among various users and applications. Outline

Introduction
I Defining a database involves specifying the data types, structures,
Database approach
and constraints of the data to be stored in the database. and DBMS
I Constructing the database is the process of storing the data on Data Models,
Schemas, and
some storage medium that is controlled by the DBMS. Instances

I Manipulating a database includes functions such as querying the Three-Schema

Architecture and Data
database to retrieve specific data, updating the database to reflect Independence

changes in the miniworld, and generating reports from the data. Database Languages
and Interfaces
I Sharing a database allows multiple users and programs to access The Database System
Environment
the database simultaneously.
Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 10

A database management system (DBMS) is a collection of programs
that enables users to create and maintain a database.
The DBMS is a general-purpose software system that facilitates the Chapter 1

processes of defining, constructing, manipulating, and sharing databases Yonas Y.

among various users and applications. Outline

Introduction
I Defining a database involves specifying the data types, structures,
Database approach
and constraints of the data to be stored in the database. and DBMS
I Constructing the database is the process of storing the data on Data Models,
Schemas, and
some storage medium that is controlled by the DBMS. Instances

I Manipulating a database includes functions such as querying the Three-Schema

Architecture and Data
database to retrieve specific data, updating the database to reflect Independence

changes in the miniworld, and generating reports from the data. Database Languages
and Interfaces
I Sharing a database allows multiple users and programs to access The Database System
Environment
the database simultaneously.
Centralized and
An application program accesses the database by sending queries or Client/Server
Architectures for
requests for data to the DBMS. A query typically causes some data to DBMSs

be retrieved; a transaction may cause some data to be read and some Classification of
Database Management
data to be written into the database. Systems

Other important functions provided by the DBMS include protecting

and maintaining the database over a long period of time.
Database + DBMS software = Database System
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 11
 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Figure: 1.1 A simplified database system environment. Database Languages

and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 12

 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Figure: 1.1 A simplified database system environment. Database Languages

and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment
Design of a new application for an existing database or design of a
Centralized and
brand new database starts off with a phase called requirements Client/Server
Architectures for
specification and analysis. DBMSs

I These requirements are documented in detail and transformed into Classification of

Database Management
a conceptual design. Systems

I The design is then translated to a logical design that can be

expressed in a data model implemented in a commercial DBMS.

I The final stage is physical design, during which further

specifications are provided for storing and accessing the database. 13

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Let us consider a simple database example in a university environment.
The database maintains information concerning students, courses, and
grades. Chapter 1

Yonas Y.
STUDENT
Name Stud.No. Class Major Outline
Abebe 1 1 CE Introduction
Kebede 17 2 CE Database approach
and DBMS
Kemal 19 1 CE
Data Models,
Schemas, and
COURSE Instances

Three-Schema
Course name Course No. CH Depmt. Instructor Architecture and Data
Independence
Data Structures ECEG-4505 5 CE Menor Database Languages
Database Systems ECEG-4507 5 CE Yonas and Interfaces

VLSI Design ECEG-4703 5 EE Kibret The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
GRADE REPORT Client/Server
Architectures for
Stud.No. Course No. Grade DBMSs
1 ECEG-4507 A Classification of
1 ECEG-4505 B Database Management
Systems
17 ECEG-4507 B
17 ECEG-4703 B
17 ECEG-4505 C
19 ECEG-4507 A
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 14
Characteristics of the Database Approach
In traditional file processing approach, each user defines and Chapter 1

implements the files needed for a specific software application as part of Yonas Y.

programming the application. Outline

The main characteristics of the database approach versus the Introduction
file-processing approach are the following: Database approach
and DBMS
I Self-describing nature of a database system:
Data Models,
A fundamental characteristic of the database approach is that the Schemas, and
Instances
database system contains not only the database itself but also a
Three-Schema
complete definition or description of the database structure and Architecture and Data
constraints. This information which is stored in the DBMS catalog Independence

is called meta-data, and it describes the structure of the primary Database Languages
and Interfaces
database. The Database System
The catalog is used by the DBMS software and also by database Environment

users who need information about the database structure. Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 15

Characteristics of the Database Approach
In traditional file processing approach, each user defines and Chapter 1

implements the files needed for a specific software application as part of Yonas Y.

programming the application. Outline

The main characteristics of the database approach versus the Introduction
file-processing approach are the following: Database approach
and DBMS
I Self-describing nature of a database system:
Data Models,
A fundamental characteristic of the database approach is that the Schemas, and
Instances
database system contains not only the database itself but also a
Three-Schema
complete definition or description of the database structure and Architecture and Data
constraints. This information which is stored in the DBMS catalog Independence

is called meta-data, and it describes the structure of the primary Database Languages
and Interfaces
database. The Database System
The catalog is used by the DBMS software and also by database Environment

users who need information about the database structure. Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
I Insulation between programs and data, and data abstraction: DBMSs
In traditional file processing, the structure of data files is embedded Classification of
in the application programs, so any changes to the structure of a Database Management
Systems
file may require changing all programs that access that file.
By contrast, DBMS access programs data files are stored in the
DBMS catalog separately from the access programs. We call this
property program-data independence.
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 16
The characteristic that allows program-data independence and
Chapter 1
program-operation independence is called data abstraction.
Yonas Y.
I Support of multiple views of the data
Outline
A database typically has many users, each of whom may require a
Introduction
different perspective or view of the database. A view may be a
Database approach
subset of the database or it may contain virtual data that is derived and DBMS
from the database files but is not explicitly stored. Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 17

The characteristic that allows program-data independence and
Chapter 1
program-operation independence is called data abstraction.
Yonas Y.
I Support of multiple views of the data
Outline
A database typically has many users, each of whom may require a
Introduction
different perspective or view of the database. A view may be a
Database approach
subset of the database or it may contain virtual data that is derived and DBMS
from the database files but is not explicitly stored. Data Models,
Schemas, and
I Sharing of data and multiuser transaction processing Instances

A multiuser DBMS, must allow multiple users to access the Three-Schema

Architecture and Data
database at the same time. The DBMS must include concurrency Independence

control software to ensure that several users trying to update the Database Languages
and Interfaces
same data do so in a controlled manner so that the result of the
The Database System
updates is correct. Environment
A fundamental role of multiuser DBMS software is to ensure that Centralized and
concurrent transactions operate correctly and efficiently. The Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMS must enforce several transaction properties to achieve this. DBMSs
I isolation property ensures that each transaction appears to execute Classification of
in isolation from other transactions, even though hundreds of Database Management
Systems
transactions may be executing concurrently.
I atomicity property ensures that either all the database operations
in a transaction are executed or none are.

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 18

Advantages of Using the DBMS Approach
Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction
1. Controlling Redundancy Database approach
and DBMS
2. Restricting Unauthorized Access
Data Models,
3. Providing Storage Structures and Search Techniques for Efficient Schemas, and
Instances
Query Processing
Three-Schema
4. Providing Backup and Recovery Architecture and Data
Independence

5. Providing Multiple User Interfaces Database Languages

and Interfaces
6. Representing Complex Relationships among Data The Database System
Environment
7. Enforcing Integrity Constraints
Centralized and
8. Permitting Inferencing and Actions Using Rules Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs
9. Providing Persistent Storage for Program Objects
Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 19

Data Models, Schemas, and Instances
Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS
One of the main characteristics of the database approach is to support
Data Models,
data abstraction so that different users can perceive data at their Schemas, and
preferred level of detail. Instances

Data abstraction generally refers to the suppression of details of data Three-Schema

Architecture and Data
organization and storage, and the highlighting of the essential features Independence

for an improved understanding of data. Database Languages

and Interfaces
A data model - a collection of concepts that can be used to describe
The Database System
the structure of a database provides the necessary means to achieve this Environment

abstraction. Centralized and

Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 20

Categories of Data Models
Chapter 1
High-level or conceptual data models provide concepts that are close Yonas Y.
to the way many users perceive data, whereas low-level or physical
Outline
data models provide concepts that describe the details of how data is
Introduction
stored on the computer storage media, typically magnetic disks.
Database approach
Between these two extremes is a class of representational (or and DBMS
implementation) data models, which provide concepts that may be Data Models,
Schemas, and
easily understood by end users but that are not too far removed from Instances
the way data is organized in computer storage. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 21

Categories of Data Models
Chapter 1
High-level or conceptual data models provide concepts that are close Yonas Y.
to the way many users perceive data, whereas low-level or physical
Outline
data models provide concepts that describe the details of how data is
Introduction
stored on the computer storage media, typically magnetic disks.
Database approach
Between these two extremes is a class of representational (or and DBMS
implementation) data models, which provide concepts that may be Data Models,
Schemas, and
easily understood by end users but that are not too far removed from Instances
the way data is organized in computer storage. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence
Conceptual data models use concepts such as entities, attributes, and
Database Languages
relationships. and Interfaces

I An entity represents a real-world object or concept, such as an The Database System

Environment
employee or a project from the miniworld that is described in the Centralized and
database. Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs
I An attribute represents some property of interest that further
Classification of
describes an entity, such as the employees name or salary. Database Management
Systems
I A relationship among two or more entities represents an
association among the entities, for example, a works-on
relationship between an employee and a project.

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 22

 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Representational or implementation data models are the models used Outline

most frequently in traditional commercial DBMSs. These include the Introduction
widely used relational data model, as well as the so-called legacy data Database approach
models-the network and hierarchical models. and DBMS

Representational data models represent data by using record structures Data Models,
Schemas, and
and hence are sometimes called record-based data models. Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 23

 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Representational or implementation data models are the models used Outline

most frequently in traditional commercial DBMSs. These include the Introduction
widely used relational data model, as well as the so-called legacy data Database approach
models-the network and hierarchical models. and DBMS

Representational data models represent data by using record structures Data Models,
Schemas, and
and hence are sometimes called record-based data models. Instances

Three-Schema
Physical data models describe how data is stored as files in the Architecture and Data
Independence
computer by representing information such as record formats, record Database Languages
orderings, and access paths. and Interfaces

The Database System

I An access path is a structure that makes the search for particular Environment
database records efficient. An index is an example of an access Centralized and
Client/Server
path that allows direct access to data using an index term or a Architectures for
keyword. DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 24

Schemas, Instances, and Database State
Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Outline
The description of a database is called the database schema, which is
Introduction
specified during database design and is not expected to change
Database approach
frequently. A displayed schema is called a schema diagram. and DBMS

Data Models,
STUDENT Schemas, and
Instances
Name Stud.No. Class Major
Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence
COURSE Database Languages
Course name Course number CH Depmt. Instructor and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

GRADE REPORT Centralized and

Client/Server
Stud.No. Course number Grade Architectures for
DBMSs

We call each object in the schema-such as STUDENT or COURSE-a Classification of

Database Management
schema construct. Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 25

 I The actual data in a database may change quite frequently. The Chapter 1
data in the database at a particular moment in time is called a Yonas Y.
database state or snapshot. It is also called the current set of
Outline
occurrences or instances in the database.
Introduction
I When we define a new database, we specify its database schema
Database approach
only to the DBMS. At this point, the corresponding database state and DBMS

is the empty state with no data. Data Models,

Schemas, and
I We get the initial state of the database when the database is first Instances

populated or loaded with the initial data. From then on, every Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
time an update operation is applied to the database, we get Independence

another database state. Database Languages

and Interfaces
I The DBMS is partly responsible for ensuring that every state of the The Database System
Environment
database is a valid state - that is, a state that satisfies the
Centralized and
structure and constraints specified in the schema. Client/Server
Architectures for
I The DBMS stores the descriptions of the schema constructs and DBMSs

constraints-also called the meta-data - in the DBMS catalog. Classification of

Database Management
I The schema is sometimes called the intension, and a database Systems

state is called an extension of the schema. When a change is

applied to the schema it is known as schema evolution.

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 26

The Three-Schema Architecture
Chapter 1

The goal of the three-schema architecture, is to separate the user Yonas Y.

applications from the physical database. In this architecture, schemas

Outline
can be defined at the following three levels: Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 27

The Three-Schema Architecture
Chapter 1

The goal of the three-schema architecture, is to separate the user Yonas Y.

applications from the physical database. In this architecture, schemas

Outline
can be defined at the following three levels: Introduction

1. The internal level has an internal schema, which describes the Database approach
and DBMS
physical storage structure of the database.
Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 28

The Three-Schema Architecture
Chapter 1

The goal of the three-schema architecture, is to separate the user Yonas Y.

applications from the physical database. In this architecture, schemas

Outline
can be defined at the following three levels: Introduction

1. The internal level has an internal schema, which describes the Database approach
and DBMS
physical storage structure of the database.
Data Models,
2. The conceptual level has a conceptual schema, which describes Schemas, and
Instances
the structure of the whole database for a community of users. It Three-Schema
hides the details of physical storage structures and concentrates on Architecture and Data
Independence
describing entities, data types, relationships, user operations, and Database Languages
constraints. and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 29

The Three-Schema Architecture
Chapter 1

The goal of the three-schema architecture, is to separate the user Yonas Y.

applications from the physical database. In this architecture, schemas

Outline
can be defined at the following three levels: Introduction

1. The internal level has an internal schema, which describes the Database approach
and DBMS
physical storage structure of the database.
Data Models,
2. The conceptual level has a conceptual schema, which describes Schemas, and
Instances
the structure of the whole database for a community of users. It Three-Schema
hides the details of physical storage structures and concentrates on Architecture and Data
Independence
describing entities, data types, relationships, user operations, and Database Languages
constraints. and Interfaces

The Database System

3. The external or view level includes a number of external schemas Environment
or user views. Each external schema describes the part of the Centralized and
database that a particular user group is interested in and hides the Client/Server
Architectures for
rest of the database from that user group. DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 30

The Three-Schema Architecture
Chapter 1

The goal of the three-schema architecture, is to separate the user Yonas Y.

applications from the physical database. In this architecture, schemas

Outline
can be defined at the following three levels: Introduction

1. The internal level has an internal schema, which describes the Database approach
and DBMS
physical storage structure of the database.
Data Models,
2. The conceptual level has a conceptual schema, which describes Schemas, and
Instances
the structure of the whole database for a community of users. It Three-Schema
hides the details of physical storage structures and concentrates on Architecture and Data
Independence
describing entities, data types, relationships, user operations, and Database Languages
constraints. and Interfaces

The Database System

3. The external or view level includes a number of external schemas Environment
or user views. Each external schema describes the part of the Centralized and
database that a particular user group is interested in and hides the Client/Server
Architectures for
rest of the database from that user group. DBMSs

Classification of
The three-level architecture has an important place in database Database Management
Systems
technology development because it clearly separates the users external
level, the databases conceptual level, and the internal storage level for
designing a database.

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 31

 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment
Figure: 1.2 The three-schema architecture.
Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 32

 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment
Figure: 1.2 The three-schema architecture.
Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
In a DBMS based on the three-schema architecture, each user group DBMSs

refers to its own external schema. Hence, the DBMS must transform a Classification of
Database Management
request specified on an external schema into a request against the Systems

conceptual schema, and then into a request on the internal schema for
processing over the stored database.
The processes of transforming requests and results between levels are
called mappings.
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 33
Data Independence
Data independence, is defined as the capacity to change the schema at Chapter 1

one level of a database system without having to change the schema at Yonas Y.

the next higher level. We can define two types of data independence: Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 34

Data Independence
Data independence, is defined as the capacity to change the schema at Chapter 1

one level of a database system without having to change the schema at Yonas Y.

the next higher level. We can define two types of data independence: Outline

1. Logical data independence is the capacity to change the Introduction

conceptual schema without having to change external schemas or Database approach

and DBMS
application programs. We may change the conceptual schema to
Data Models,
expand the database (by adding a record type or data item), to Schemas, and
Instances
change constraints, or to reduce the database (by removing a
Three-Schema
record type or data item). Only the view definition and the Architecture and Data
mappings need to be changed in a DBMS that supports logical Independence

data independence. Database Languages

and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 35

Data Independence
Data independence, is defined as the capacity to change the schema at Chapter 1

one level of a database system without having to change the schema at Yonas Y.

the next higher level. We can define two types of data independence: Outline

1. Logical data independence is the capacity to change the Introduction

conceptual schema without having to change external schemas or Database approach

and DBMS
application programs. We may change the conceptual schema to
Data Models,
expand the database (by adding a record type or data item), to Schemas, and
Instances
change constraints, or to reduce the database (by removing a
Three-Schema
record type or data item). Only the view definition and the Architecture and Data
mappings need to be changed in a DBMS that supports logical Independence

data independence. Database Languages

and Interfaces

2. Physical data independence is the capacity to change the internal The Database System
Environment
schema without having to change the conceptual schema. Changes
Centralized and
to the internal schema may be needed because some physical files Client/Server
Architectures for
were reorganized-for example, by creating additional access DBMSs
structures-to improve the performance of retrieval or update. If the Classification of
same data as before remains in the database, we should not have Database Management
Systems
to change the conceptual schema.

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 36

Data Independence
Data independence, is defined as the capacity to change the schema at Chapter 1

one level of a database system without having to change the schema at Yonas Y.

the next higher level. We can define two types of data independence: Outline

1. Logical data independence is the capacity to change the Introduction

conceptual schema without having to change external schemas or Database approach

and DBMS
application programs. We may change the conceptual schema to
Data Models,
expand the database (by adding a record type or data item), to Schemas, and
Instances
change constraints, or to reduce the database (by removing a
Three-Schema
record type or data item). Only the view definition and the Architecture and Data
mappings need to be changed in a DBMS that supports logical Independence

data independence. Database Languages

and Interfaces

2. Physical data independence is the capacity to change the internal The Database System
Environment
schema without having to change the conceptual schema. Changes
Centralized and
to the internal schema may be needed because some physical files Client/Server
Architectures for
were reorganized-for example, by creating additional access DBMSs
structures-to improve the performance of retrieval or update. If the Classification of
same data as before remains in the database, we should not have Database Management
Systems
to change the conceptual schema.
However, the two levels of mappings to achieve true data independence
create an overhead during compilation or execution of a query or
program, leading to inefficiencies in the DBMS.
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 37
DBMS Languages
I Once the design of a database is completed and a DBMS is chosen Chapter 1
to implement the database, the first step is to specify conceptual Yonas Y.
and internal schemas for the database and any mappings between
Outline
the two. If no strict separation of levels is maintained, one
Introduction
language, called the data definition language (DDL), is used.
Database approach
I In DBMSs where a clear separation is maintained between the and DBMS

conceptual and internal levels, the DDL is used to specify the Data Models,
Schemas, and
conceptual schema only. Another language, the storage definition Instances

language (SDL), is used to specify the internal schema. Three-Schema

Architecture and Data
I In most DBMSs the DDL is used to define both conceptual and Independence

external schemas. In relational DBMSs, SQL is used in the role of Database Languages
and Interfaces
view definition language (VDL), to specify user views and their
The Database System
mappings as results of predefined queries. Environment
I Once the database schemas are compiled and the database is Centralized and
Client/Server
populated with data, users must have some means to manipulate Architectures for
DBMSs
the database. The DBMS provides a set of operations or a
Classification of
language called the data manipulation language(DML) for these Database Management
purposes. Systems

I In current DBMSs, a comprehensive integrated language is used

that includes constructs for conceptual schema definition, view

definition, and data manipulation. Storage definition is typically
kept separate.
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 38
DBMS Interfaces
User-friendly interfaces provided by a DBMS may include the following: Chapter 1

Yonas Y.
I Menu-Based Interfaces for Web Clients or Browsing: These
interfaces present the user with lists of options (called menus) that Outline

lead the user through the formulation of a request. Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 39

DBMS Interfaces
User-friendly interfaces provided by a DBMS may include the following: Chapter 1

Yonas Y.
I Menu-Based Interfaces for Web Clients or Browsing: These
interfaces present the user with lists of options (called menus) that Outline

lead the user through the formulation of a request. Introduction

Database approach
I Forms-Based Interfaces: A forms-based interface displays a form and DBMS
to each user. Users can fill out all of the form entries to insert new Data Models,
data, or they can fill out only certain entries, in which case the Schemas, and
Instances
DBMS will retrieve matching data for the remaining entries. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 40

DBMS Interfaces
User-friendly interfaces provided by a DBMS may include the following: Chapter 1

Yonas Y.
I Menu-Based Interfaces for Web Clients or Browsing: These
interfaces present the user with lists of options (called menus) that Outline

lead the user through the formulation of a request. Introduction

Database approach
I Forms-Based Interfaces: A forms-based interface displays a form and DBMS
to each user. Users can fill out all of the form entries to insert new Data Models,
data, or they can fill out only certain entries, in which case the Schemas, and
Instances
DBMS will retrieve matching data for the remaining entries. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
I Graphical User Interfaces: A GUI typically displays a schema to Independence
the user in diagrammatic form. The user then can specify a query Database Languages
and Interfaces
by manipulating the diagram.
The Database System
Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 41

DBMS Interfaces
User-friendly interfaces provided by a DBMS may include the following: Chapter 1

Yonas Y.
I Menu-Based Interfaces for Web Clients or Browsing: These
interfaces present the user with lists of options (called menus) that Outline

lead the user through the formulation of a request. Introduction

Database approach
I Forms-Based Interfaces: A forms-based interface displays a form and DBMS
to each user. Users can fill out all of the form entries to insert new Data Models,
data, or they can fill out only certain entries, in which case the Schemas, and
Instances
DBMS will retrieve matching data for the remaining entries. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
I Graphical User Interfaces: A GUI typically displays a schema to Independence
the user in diagrammatic form. The user then can specify a query Database Languages
and Interfaces
by manipulating the diagram.
The Database System
I Natural Language Interfaces: These interfaces accept requests Environment

written in English or some other language and attempt to Centralized and

Client/Server
understand them. Today, we see search engines that accept strings Architectures for
DBMSs
of natural language (like English or Spanish) words and match
Classification of
them with documents at specific sites (for local search engines) or Database Management
Systems
Web pages on the Web at large (for engines like Google or Ask).

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 42

DBMS Interfaces
User-friendly interfaces provided by a DBMS may include the following: Chapter 1

Yonas Y.
I Menu-Based Interfaces for Web Clients or Browsing: These
interfaces present the user with lists of options (called menus) that Outline

lead the user through the formulation of a request. Introduction

Database approach
I Forms-Based Interfaces: A forms-based interface displays a form and DBMS
to each user. Users can fill out all of the form entries to insert new Data Models,
data, or they can fill out only certain entries, in which case the Schemas, and
Instances
DBMS will retrieve matching data for the remaining entries. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
I Graphical User Interfaces: A GUI typically displays a schema to Independence
the user in diagrammatic form. The user then can specify a query Database Languages
and Interfaces
by manipulating the diagram.
The Database System
I Natural Language Interfaces: These interfaces accept requests Environment

written in English or some other language and attempt to Centralized and

Client/Server
understand them. Today, we see search engines that accept strings Architectures for
DBMSs
of natural language (like English or Spanish) words and match
Classification of
them with documents at specific sites (for local search engines) or Database Management
Systems
Web pages on the Web at large (for engines like Google or Ask).
I Speech Input and Output: Limited use of speech as an input
query and speech as an answer to a question or result of a request
is becoming commonplace.
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 43
 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS
I Interfaces for Parametric Users: Parametric users, such as bank Data Models,
tellers, often have a small set of operations that they must perform Schemas, and
Instances
repeatedly. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 44

 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS
I Interfaces for Parametric Users: Parametric users, such as bank Data Models,
tellers, often have a small set of operations that they must perform Schemas, and
Instances
repeatedly. Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
I Interfaces for the DBA: Most database systems contain privileged Independence
commands that can be used only by the DBA staff. Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 45

DBMS Component Modules
Figure 1.3 illustrates, in a simplified form, the typical DBMS Chapter 1
components. Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Figure: 1.3 Component modules of a DBMS and their interactions. Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 46

DBMS Component Modules
Figure 1.3 illustrates, in a simplified form, the typical DBMS Chapter 1
components. Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Figure: 1.3 Component modules of a DBMS and their interactions. Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
I The DBMS interacts with the operating system(OS) when disk Systems

accesses to the database or to the catalog are needed.

I If the computer system is shared by many users, the OS will
schedule DBMS disk access requests and DBMS processing along
with other processes.
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 47
 I The DBMS also interfaces with compilers for general purpose host
programming languages, and with application servers and client Chapter 1

programs running on separate machines through the system Yonas Y.

network interface. Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 48

 I The DBMS also interfaces with compilers for general purpose host
programming languages, and with application servers and client Chapter 1

programs running on separate machines through the system Yonas Y.

network interface. Outline

Introduction
Database System Utilities
Database approach
In addition to possessing the software modules, most DBMSs have and DBMS
database utilities that help the DBA manage the database system. Data Models,
Schemas, and
I Loading. A loading utility is used to load existing data files-such as Instances

text files or sequential files-into the database. Usually, the current Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
(source) format of the data file and the desired (target) database Independence

file structure are specified to the utility, which then automatically Database Languages
and Interfaces
reformats the data and stores it in the database.
The Database System
I Backup. A backup utility creates a backup copy of the database, Environment

usually by dumping the entire database onto tape or other mass Centralized and
Client/Server
storage medium. Architectures for
DBMSs
I Database storage reorganization. This utility can be used to Classification of
Database Management
reorganize a set of database files into different file organizations, Systems
and create new access paths to improve performance.
I Performance monitoring. Such a utility monitors database usage
and provides statistics to the DBA.
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 49
Centralized DBMSs Architecture
I Architectures for DBMSs have followed trends similar to those for Chapter 1

general computer system architectures. Earlier architectures used Yonas Y.

mainframe computers to provide the main processing for all system
Outline
functions.
Introduction
I At first database systems, the DBMS itself was still a centralized Database approach
DBMS in which all the DBMS functionality, application program and DBMS

execution, and user interface processing were carried out on one Data Models,
Schemas, and
machine. Figure 1.4 illustrates the physical components in a Instances

centralized architecture. Three-Schema

Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

Figure: 1.4 Component modules of a DBMS and their interactions.

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 50
Basic Client/Server Architectures
The client/server architecture was developed to deal with computing Chapter 1

environments in which a large number of PCs, workstations, file servers, Yonas Y.

printers, database servers, Web servers, e-mail servers, and other Outline
software and equipment are connected via a network. Introduction

Database approach
Figure 1.5 illustrates client/server architecture at the logical level; and DBMS

Figure 1.6 is a simplified diagram that shows the physical architecture. Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment
Figure: 1.5 Logical two-tier client/server architecture. Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

I A client in this framework is typically a user machine that provides Classification of

Database Management
user interface capabilities and local processing. Systems

I A server is a system containing both hardware and software that

can provide services to the client machines, such as file access,
printing, archiving, or database access.
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 51
 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Figure: 1.6 Physical two-tier client/server architecture. Three-Schema

Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 52

 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Figure: 1.6 Physical two-tier client/server architecture. Three-Schema

Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
Two-Tier Client/Server Architectures for DBMSs and Interfaces

The Database System

I In relational database management systems (RDBMSs), many of Environment

which started as centralized systems, the system components that Centralized and
Client/Server
were first moved to the client side were the user interface and Architectures for
DBMSs
application programs.
Classification of
I The query and transaction functionality related to SQL processing Database Management
Systems
remained on the server side. In an RDBMS, the server is also
often called an SQL server.
The advantages of this architecture are its simplicity and seamless
compatibility with existing systems.
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 53
Three-Tier and n-Tier Architectures for Web Applications
Many Web applications use an architecture called the three-tier
architecture, which adds an intermediate layer between the client and Chapter 1

the database server, as illustrated in Figure 1.7(a). Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces
Figure: 1.7 Logical three-tier client/server architecture, with a couple of The Database System
commonly used nomenclatures. Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 54

Three-Tier and n-Tier Architectures for Web Applications
Many Web applications use an architecture called the three-tier
architecture, which adds an intermediate layer between the client and Chapter 1

the database server, as illustrated in Figure 1.7(a). Yonas Y.

Outline

Introduction

Database approach
and DBMS

Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces
Figure: 1.7 Logical three-tier client/server architecture, with a couple of The Database System
commonly used nomenclatures. Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
This intermediate layer or middle tier is called the application server or DBMSs
the Web server, depending on the application. Classification of
Database Management
I This server plays an intermediary role by running application Systems

programs and storing business rules (procedures or constraints)

that are used to access data from the database server.
I It can also improve database security by checking a clients

credentials before forwarding a request to the database server.

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 55
Figure 1.7(b) shows another architecture used by database and other
Chapter 1
application package vendors.
Yonas Y.
I The presentation layer displays information to the user and allows
Outline
data entry.
Introduction
I The business logic layer handles intermediate rules and constraints Database approach
before data is passed up to the user or down to the DBMS. and DBMS

Data Models,
I The bottom layer includes all data management services. Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 56

Figure 1.7(b) shows another architecture used by database and other
Chapter 1
application package vendors.
Yonas Y.
I The presentation layer displays information to the user and allows
Outline
data entry.
Introduction
I The business logic layer handles intermediate rules and constraints Database approach
before data is passed up to the user or down to the DBMS. and DBMS

Data Models,
I The bottom layer includes all data management services. Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Other architectures have also been proposed. It is possible to divide the Architecture and Data
layers between the user and the stored data further into finer Independence

components, thereby giving rise to n-tier architectures. Database Languages

and Interfaces

Typically, the business logic layer is divided into multiple layers. Besides The Database System
Environment
distributing programming and data throughout a network, n-tier
Centralized and
applications afford the advantage that any one tier can run on an Client/Server
Architectures for
appropriate processor or operating system platform and can be handled DBMSs
independently. Classification of
Database Management
Advances in encryption and decryption technology make it safer to Systems

transfer sensitive data from server to client in encrypted form, where it

will be decrypted.

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 57

Classification of Database Management Systems
Several criteria are normally used to classify DBMSs. Chapter 1
I The first is the data model on which the DBMS is based. Yonas Y.

1. The main data model used in many current commercial DBMSs is

Outline
the relational data model.
Introduction
2. The object data model has been implemented in some commercial
systems. Database approach
and DBMS
3. Many legacy applications still run on database systems based on the
hierarchical and network data models. Data Models,
Schemas, and
Instances

Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 58

Classification of Database Management Systems
Several criteria are normally used to classify DBMSs. Chapter 1
I The first is the data model on which the DBMS is based. Yonas Y.

1. The main data model used in many current commercial DBMSs is

Outline
the relational data model.
Introduction
2. The object data model has been implemented in some commercial
systems. Database approach
and DBMS
3. Many legacy applications still run on database systems based on the
hierarchical and network data models. Data Models,
Schemas, and
I The second criterion used to classify DBMSs is the number of Instances

users supported by the system. Three-Schema

Architecture and Data
1. Single-user systems support only one user at a time and are mostly Independence
used with PCs. Database Languages
2. Multiuser systems, which include the majority of DBMSs, support and Interfaces
concurrent multiple users. The Database System
Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 59

Classification of Database Management Systems
Several criteria are normally used to classify DBMSs. Chapter 1
I The first is the data model on which the DBMS is based. Yonas Y.

1. The main data model used in many current commercial DBMSs is

Outline
the relational data model.
Introduction
2. The object data model has been implemented in some commercial
systems. Database approach
and DBMS
3. Many legacy applications still run on database systems based on the
hierarchical and network data models. Data Models,
Schemas, and
I The second criterion used to classify DBMSs is the number of Instances

users supported by the system. Three-Schema

Architecture and Data
1. Single-user systems support only one user at a time and are mostly Independence
used with PCs. Database Languages
2. Multiuser systems, which include the majority of DBMSs, support and Interfaces
concurrent multiple users. The Database System
Environment
I The third criterion is the number of sites over which the database
is distributed. Centralized and
Client/Server
1. A DBMS is centralized if the data is stored at a single computer Architectures for
DBMSs
site. A centralized DBMS can support multiple users, but the
DBMS and the database reside totally at a single computer site. Classification of
Database Management
2. A distributed DBMS (DDBMS) can have the actual database and Systems
DBMS software distributed over many sites, connected by a
computer network.
Homogeneous DDBMSs use the same DBMS software at all the
sites, whereas heterogeneous DDBMSs can use different DBMS
software at each site.
AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 60
 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

I The fourth criterion is cost. Outline

Today we have open source (free) DBMS products and also paid Introduction

ones. The giant systems are being sold in modular form with Database approach
and DBMS
components to handle distribution, replication, parallel processing, Data Models,
mobile capability, and so on, and with a large number of Schemas, and
Instances
parameters that must be defined for the configuration.
Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence

Database Languages
and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 61

 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

I The fourth criterion is cost. Outline

Today we have open source (free) DBMS products and also paid Introduction

ones. The giant systems are being sold in modular form with Database approach
and DBMS
components to handle distribution, replication, parallel processing, Data Models,
mobile capability, and so on, and with a large number of Schemas, and
Instances
parameters that must be defined for the configuration.
Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence
I We can also classify a DBMS on the basis of the types of access
Database Languages
path options for storing files. and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment

Centralized and
Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 62

 Chapter 1

Yonas Y.

I The fourth criterion is cost. Outline

Today we have open source (free) DBMS products and also paid Introduction

ones. The giant systems are being sold in modular form with Database approach
and DBMS
components to handle distribution, replication, parallel processing, Data Models,
mobile capability, and so on, and with a large number of Schemas, and
Instances
parameters that must be defined for the configuration.
Three-Schema
Architecture and Data
Independence
I We can also classify a DBMS on the basis of the types of access
Database Languages
path options for storing files. and Interfaces

The Database System

Environment
I Finally, a DBMS can be general purpose or special purpose.
Centralized and
When performance is a primary consideration, a special-purpose Client/Server
Architectures for
DBMS can be designed and built for a specific application. DBMSs

Classification of
Database Management
Systems

AAiT - School of Electrical and Computer Engineering 63