Fundamentals of Database Management
Systems
(CoSc2041)
Chapter One
Introduction Database Management System
Compiled by: Debritu A.
Contents
Database
Data Management Approach
Components of DBMS
Functions of DBMS
Database Development Lifecycle
Roles in database design environment (DBA, DBD user.)
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Data, Information, Information System (Data Processing)
Data: is a collection of raw facts.
Information: is a processed data in the form that is
meaningful to the user.
Information System (Data processing) is a system that:
Receives data and instruction
Processes the data as per the instruction
Produces output
Stores data/information for future use
Information System doesn’t exist without organization. That is,
organization of data is necessary if data is voluminous.
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Alternative approaches of data handling
Reasons to study alternative data handling approaches:
Understanding the problems in these systems prevent us from repeating similar problems in database
systems.
If you want to convert these approaches to a database system, understanding how these systems work
will be extremely useful.
a) Manual
Typing the data on paper and put in a file cabinet
Works well if the number of items to be stored is small.
Disadvantages of Manual Approach:
Data loss: due to damaged papers or unable to locate it.
Redundancy: multiple copies of the same data with in the organization.
Inconsistency: Modifications are not reflected on all multiple copies
Prone to error
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Alternative approaches of data handling…
b) File based Approach
File based approaches were an early attempt to computerize the manual filing
system.
It is a collection of application programs that performs services for the end users.
Each program defines and manages its own data.
Each department has its own database
Programming languages were used.
Example of programming languages: C++, Cobol, Pascal
Disadvantages:
Separation/Isolation of data
When data is isolated in separate files, it is difficult to access data that should be available. This is
because; there is no concept of relationship between files.
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Alternative approaches of data handling…
Disadvantages of file based approach
Redundancy
This is concerning with storage of similar information in multiple files
It costs time and money to enter the data
It takes up additional storage space (memory space)
Inconsistency: loss of data integrity.
Data Dependence
Changes to an existing structure are difficult to make. Example: change in the size of Student Name (from 20
characters to 30 characters) requires a new program to convert student file to a new format.
The new program opens original student file, open a temporary file, read records from original student file
and write to the temporary file, delete the original student file and finally rename the temporary file as student
file.
It is time consuming
Prone to error
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Alternative approaches of data handling…
Incompatible file formats
The structure of file is dependent on the application programs.
Incompatibility of files makes them difficult to process jointly.
Example: consider two files with in the same enterprise but in different
departments, or in different branches:
If the first file is constructed using COBOL and the second file is written using
C++, then there will be a problem of integrity.
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Alternative approaches of data handling…
c) Database Approach
What is a database?
A database is a collection of related data in an organized way.
Most of the time, organization is in tabular form.
E.g. book database
The organization of the database becomes necessary when the data is voluminous.
Otherwise, managing data will be very difficult.
For example
A Manufacturing Company with product data
A Bank with account data
A Hospital with patients
A University with Students
A government with planning data
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Database applications
Banking: transactions
Airlines: reservation , schedules
Universities:registration, grades
Sales:customers ,sales purchases
Online retailers:order tracking
Manufacturing: production,inventory,orders,supply
chain
Human resource: employee records,salaries ,tax
deductions
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University database example
Application program examples
Add new students, instructors and courses
Register students for courses and generate class
rosters
Assign grades to students
Compute grade point averages(GPA)
Generate transcripts
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Database
Massive
Persistent
Safe
Multi-user
Continent
Efficient
reliable
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Database System and DBMS
What is database system?
It is a computerized record keeping system, which stores related data in an
organized way.
The overall purpose of a database system is to store information and to allow users
to add, delete, retrieve, search, query and update that information upon request.
What is Database Management System (DBMS)?
A DBMS is software that enables users to define, create, maintain and
control access to the database.
Example: Ms Access, FoxPro, SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle …
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Component of Database System
A database system consists of four major components:
1. Data: is the core component of the database system.
The data stored in the database can be thought of as several distinct data files.
In a multi-user environment, data can be shared.
A database contains both the operational data & the meta-data (data about data).
2. Hardware: The processor, storage media and the memory of the computer
system
Has impact on the overall performance of the database system.
Hardware can range from a single PC, to mainframe computer, to a network of
computers.
The particular hardware depends on the organization’s requirement and the DBMS
used.
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Component of Database System…
3. Software: The database management system allows the user to interact
with the data.
It provides facilities to perform different operations: E.g. Creation, insertion,
update, retrieve, delete etc.
It totally covers (shields) the data from unexpected operations that damage
the entire data.
4. Users: Users can be:
Application developers that write programs for using the data.
End users: interact with the system using query language provided by the
DBMS.
Database Administrator: that controls the enterprises data resource
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Component of Database System…
End Users
Workers, whose job requires accessing the database frequently for various purposes, in general user of the database can
be deleting, updating, inserting or modifying data from the database.
There are different group of users in this category.
Naive Users:
Sizable proportion of users.
Unaware of the DBMS.
Only access the database based on their access level and demand
Use standard and pre-specified types of queries.
Sophisticated Users
Are users familiar with the structure of the Database and facilities of the DBMS.
Have complex requirements
Have higher level queries
Are most of the time engineers, scientists, business analysts, etc.
Casual Users
Users who access the database occasionally.
Need different information from the database each time.
Use sophisticated database queries to satisfy their needs.
Casual user most of the time middle to high level managers.
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Why DBMS?
Advantage of database approach over the previous data handling
approaches:
Compactness: no need of voluminous paper files
Speed: Searches are fast in computerized systems
Less error: errors can be reduced
Timeliness: Accurate and up-to-date information is available at any time.
Data redundancy is reduced
Data can be shared by all authorized users
Improved data integrity
Improved security
Improved back up and recovery services
Standards can be enforced
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Why DBMS?...
Data formats to facilitate exchange of data between systems, naming
conventions, documentation standards, update procedures, and
access rules.
E.g. Telephone: - (011)312341 or 557796 or +251 912362556
City: Addis Ababa, A.A
Disadvantages of DBMS:
Cost of the DBMS hardware, preparing, concession
Need to have a database related personnel
Increased Vulnerability: Since resources are centralized, there is increase in
security risk.
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Database Development Life Cycle
It is one component in most information system development tasks,
there are several steps in designing a database system.
The major steps in database design are;
Planning: that is identifying information gap in an organization and
propose a database solution to solve the problem.
Analysis: that concentrates more on fact finding about the problem
or the opportunity.
Design: in database designing more emphasis is given to this phase.
Implementation: the testing and deployment of the designed
database for use.
Operation and Support: administering and maintaining the
operation of the database system and providing support to users.
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Key people
DBMS implementer
Builds system
Database designer
Establishes schema
Database application developer
Programs that operate a database
Database administrator
Loads data ,keeping running smoothly
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Question?
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