Database Management System Quiz

Introduction to Database

• The introduction to database covers the objectives of the class
• Students will be able to describe data, information, and database management systems.
• Students will appreciate the evolution of databases from file systems

Data vs Information

• Data are raw facts
• Information is data that has been processed to reveal meaning
• Data are the foundation of information, which is the bedrock of knowledge
• Information produced by processing data
• Information used to reveal meaning in data. Good decision making is vital for organizational survival
• Data management focuses on proper generation, storage, and retrieval of data.

Data or Information? (Examples)

• Data visualizations such as bar charts, pie charts, and graphs can show summarized data.
• Examples of data include raw numbers or text and a data entry screen from Middle Tennessee State University.
• Examples of information could include summarized information from raw college enrollment data about different rank levels of faculty.

Why do I care about databases?

• Good decisions require good information derived from raw facts.
• Data is most efficiently managed when stored in a database.
• Databases solve many problems encountered in data management.
• Databases are used in virtually all modern data management settings.
• Understanding how databases function is crucial, as they interact with other applications.

What is a database?

• A database is a collection of organized data gathered over time. This data includes structured user data and metadata
• User data consists of raw information such as student names, grades, and salaries.
• Metadata is data about data, including data types, relationships, creation dates, modification dates, and file sizes.
• A database management system (DBMS) is software that manages the database structure
• A DBMS controls access to data and eliminates many file system problems.
• DBMS stores data structures, relationships between structures, and access paths.
• DBMS defines, stores, manages access paths, and components
• DBMS logically relates data stored in a single logical repository.

Role of the DBMS

• The DBMS serves data to end-users directly or indirectly through SQL, retrieving data from various parts of the DBMS.
• The DBMS also facilitates the creation and management of database applications via languages like Java, C, C++, and C#.
• Database administration (DBA) tasks are handled by the DBMS, and these tasks include creating, maintaining, and overseeing databases.

A Database System

• A database system involves procedures and standards, analysts, database designers, programmers, end users, and the DBMS.
• Database administrators oversee system administration and management of the DBMS and Database.
• The system includes related hardware and data.

Advantages of Database Systems (1)

• Databases allow sharing of data.
• Databases control data redundancy
• Databases ensure data consistency.
• Databases improve data standards.
• Databases improve control over concurrency.

Advantages of Database Systems (2)

• Databases enhance data security.
• Databases improve data integrity.
• Databases provide better backup and recovery procedures.
• Databases enable faster development of new applications.
• Databases facilitate better data accessibility.

Disadvantages of Database Systems

• Databases can have increased costs.
• Databases have complex management.
• Databases require ongoing maintenance to ensure currency.
• Databases can be vendor-dependent.
• Databases frequently need upgrades and replacements.

File Systems and Databases

• File systems store data in files.
• A simple database system is often made up of many files, and programs run by separate departments. The systems have few controls and sharing of data is cumbersome.
• File systems can be cumbersome for large collections. Files are owned by individuals/departments and there is no central control over overlapping information.
• File systems are prone to islands of information leading problems to data inconsistancies, and sharing data between large, independent systems is a problem.

Flat File

• A flat file is similar to a spreadsheet and is organised in rows and columns.
• Flat files can be difficult to manage when large quantities of data are processed.
• Flat file databases are prone to data redundancy and structural dependence.

Manual File System

• Manual file systems use physical storage of data like folders and documents, and are cumbersome for large quantities of data.

Computerized File Systems

• Data processing specialists can create computer systems for file organization, which resembles manual file systems
• Computer file systems, in general, resemble manual systems.
• Programs store computerized files and many files might be required for multiple departments.

Problems with File System Data Processing

• File systems can have lengthy development times.
• File systems can have difficulty delivering quick responses to queries
• File system administration can be complex.
• File systems can have limited or no security and data sharing may be a problem.
• Extensive programming is often necessary for file system data processing.

Comparing File Based and DBMS

• A file-based data storage system is a simple hierarchical structure where data reside in files.
• In contrast, a database management system (DBMS) stores data in an organized structure and provides a means for querying the data.

Database Career Opportunities

• Database developers create and maintain database applications, using programming skills.
• Database designers focus on the design of databases and their architecture.
• Database administrators manage and maintain the database management system (DBMS).
• Database analysts develop databases for reporting and decision support structures.
• Database architects design and implement comprehensive database environments
• Database consultants help organizations leverage database technologies.
• Database security officers implement security policies and control aspects of data administration.

Businesses that Require Databases

• Businesses of various types need databases to manage information.
• Any business handling large quantities of information benefit from having a robust database system.
• Businesses that manage large amounts of data or those needing organized information management are good candidates for database systems.