Database Applications Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are commands in the context of databases?

They represent database transactions.

They are used for data storage.

They are called queries ad-hoc understand SQL. (correct)

They refer to user interface operations.

What does Application Programs refer to?

GUI, business logic so machine can act on user's commands on client's machine.

What are Personal Databases designed for?

Support one user and manage small amounts of data efficiently.

What is a Two-Tier Client/Server Database?

A work group with a small team of less than 25 people, with data security and integrity. Signup and view all the answers

What are Multi-tier Client/Server Databases used for?

Support departments like marketing and accounting in larger organizations. Signup and view all the answers

What do Enterprise Applications encompass?

Many departments and possibly several enterprise databases. Signup and view all the answers

Define Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

A business management system that integrates all functions of the enterprise. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Data Warehouse?

An integrated decision support database whose content is derived from various operational databases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Evolution of Database Systems?

Introduced in the 1960s with the relational model emerging in the 1980s. Signup and view all the answers

What are some Driving Factors for evolving database systems?

Greater independence between programs and data. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the 1960s in relation to database management systems?

File processing first databases management systems were developed. Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about the 1970s for database systems?

Hierarchical and network models emerged as first-generation DBMS. Signup and view all the answers

What advancements were made in the 1980s for database technology?

The relational model was proven well-suited to client/server computing. Signup and view all the answers

What trends characterized the 1990s in database development?

Multimedia data and object-oriented databases emerged. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Database Applications Overview

Commands, also known as queries, are utilized for data retrieval and manipulation, understanding SQL is essential.
Application programs feature a graphical user interface (GUI) and implement business logic, allowing machines to process user commands. The Database Management System (DBMS) acts as an intermediary between the user interface and the database server.

Types of Databases

Personal databases support single users, primarily on PCs, efficiently managing small data volumes without sharing. Commonly used by salespeople for personal productivity.
Two-tier client/server databases support small workgroups (up to 25 people), focusing on data security and integrity. Each client requires interface and business logic updates.
Multi-tier client/server databases serve larger departments or divisions. They include an application-level web server layer that manages business logic and communicates with the database server, enhancing performance and maintainability.
Enterprise applications span multiple departments and may include multiple enterprise databases for comprehensive management.

Advanced Database Concepts

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integrates all business functions, facilitating the management of various operational activities such as sales, manufacturing, and finance.
Data warehouses serve as centralized databases for decision support, integrating data from operational databases, intranets, and extranets, and focusing on analyzing historical data trends and patterns.

Evolution of Database Systems

Database systems began in the 1960s with flat file models, evolving through hierarchical and network models, leading to the relational model in the 1980s, which organizes data in tables and relationships.
Object-oriented databases emerged, followed by object-relational databases that combine features of both models. Data warehousing introduced multidimensional databases structured in cubes or star schemas.

Driving Factors for Database Development

Increasing data independence between programs and data reduces maintenance overhead.
Complex data types and structures require robust management capabilities.
Demand for quick access to data fosters user-friendly interfaces even for non-technical users.
Powerful platforms for decision support applications enhance business intelligence capabilities.

Historical Context

1960s marked the introduction of file processing systems and the first database management systems, coinciding with events like the moon landing and growing data standardization.
1970s saw the emergence of hierarchical and network models, considered first-generation DBMS with limited data independence and lengthy development periods.
1980s favored the relational model alongside the rise of client/server computing and graphical user interfaces.
1990s brought forth multimedia data capabilities and the advent of object-oriented databases, alongside the growing importance of data warehousing.

Description

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from Chapter 1 on the range of database applications. Topics include commands, application programs, and personal databases, providing a foundational understanding of database management systems and their functionality.