Databases and File Systems

• A database is a shared collection of related data supporting activities of an organization
• Databases are designed to meet an organization's information needs

Data vs Information

• Data refers to raw, unorganized, and unstructured facts about a topic or item
• Information is the result of combining, comparing, and performing calculations on data, making it meaningful and useful

Traditional File System Concepts

• A File Management System (file system) is software that manages data files in a computer system
• Each file is independent Individual programs write the code which integrates data across files

Disadvantages of a File System

• Data redundancy refers to the duplication of data
• Program-Data Dependency means changes in the data file structure require changes in application programs
• Data Integrity Problems: Changes in data constraints require changes in all application programs accessing the file
• Concurrent Access Anomalies occur when multiple users access the same record at the same time

Advantages and Disadvantages of Traditional File Systems

• Advantages include simplicity, less complexity, minimal investment, and no need for specialists
• Disadvantages include data redundancy, data inconsistency, limited data sharing, security problems, time-consuming processes, data dependence, and inefficiency with large amounts of data

Current Technologies and Trends

• Industry 4.0 focuses heavily on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time data
• Key components of Industry 4.0 include:
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
• Big Data
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cloud Computing

IoT (Internet of Things)

• IoT refers to connections between physical machines/sensors and the Internet
• Examples of IoT devices:
• Home security systems
• Activity trackers
• Industrial security
• Augmented reality glasses
• Motion detection

IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things)

• IIoT connects data, people, and machines in relation to manufacturing
• IIoT vs. IoT includes:
• Utility: IoT is for individual customers in homes/offices; IIoT is for commercial use in industries
• Security: IoT has minimal security concerns compared to IIoT with organizations and businesses at a large scale
• Application: IoT risks are low; IIoT uses highly sensitive and precise sensors
• Cost IoT technologies are less expensive than IIoT technologies as IoT devices are produced by various campaniles

Big Data

• Big Data refers to structured or unstructured data sets that can be compiled, stored, organized, and analyzed to reveal patterns, trends, and associations

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• AI is a computer's ability to perform tasks and make decisions requiring human intelligence
• Examples of AI include:
• Google Maps
• Face detection and recognition
• E-payments

Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing uses interconnected remote servers hosted on the Internet to store and manage data

Database & DBMS Concepts

• A database is a data repository defined once and accessed by various users
• A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that controls the storage, organization, and retrieval of data

DBMS Concepts

• A DBMS enables users to create, maintain, and control access to databases
• A DBMS provides a convenient and efficient environment for data retrieval and storage

Advantages of Database Approach

• Reduced Data Redundancy means that ideally each data item is stored in only one place in the database
• Program-Data dependence is reduced (low)
• Data structure (meta data) is stored in the system catalogue ; therefore, one change is all that is needed to change the structure of a file
• Integrity constraints ensure valid information and maintain data integrity
• Concurrent access allows multiple users to access the same data simultaneously and managed in a controlled manner

File System vs Database System

• File systems easily store general files not requiring high security while database management systems are used when security constraints are high
• File systems have high data redundancy and data inconsistency, while database systems have low redundancy/inconsistency
• File systems have low security, database systems have high security
• File systems store isolated, unstructured data files; database systems store structured data with defined constraints and interrelations

Database Users

• End users access the database from the terminal end using existing applications, without knowledge of the database design
• Database designers define content, structure, and constraints, and communicate with end-users to understand their needs
• Application programmers implement specific application programs to access the stored data, familiar with the DBMSs

Database Administrators (DBA)

• DBA's authorize database access, coordinate its use, monitors efficiency etc
• Responsibilities of DBA include:
• Deciding the instances for the database
• Defining the schema
• Communicating with users
• Defining security
• Back-up and recovery