Topic 2 : Components of Database Management Systems – Vocabulary Review

Database Management System (DBMS)

A collection of programs that enables users to create, maintain, and control access to databases.

Software (DBMS Component)

The set of programs that manage, control, and provide an interface to the database.

Hardware (DBMS Component)

Physical devices—servers, storage, and networking equipment—required to run the DBMS.

Data

All operational data plus metadata (data that describes other data) stored inside the database.

Metadata

‘Data about data’—descriptions of the structure, constraints, and meaning of stored data.

Database Access Language

A language used to enter, modify, and retrieve data from a database.

SQL (Structured Query Language)

The most widely used database access language for querying and managing relational databases.

Procedures (DBMS Component)

Documented instructions and rules for designing, using, and maintaining the database and DBMS.

Users (People Component)

Individuals who interact with the DBMS; can include administrators, designers, developers, and end-users.

Database Administrator (DBA)

Person responsible for authorizing access, monitoring use, ensuring security, and managing DBMS resources.

Database Designer

Professional who identifies required data, creates logical and physical models, and communicates with users before implementation.

Microsoft Access

Entry-level DBMS in Microsoft 365, optimized for small datasets and ease of use rather than large-scale performance.

Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft’s relational DBMS designed for enterprise scalability; available in paid, Developer, and Express editions.

MySQL

Open-source relational DBMS known for speed and scalability; widely used in web applications.

PostgreSQL

Advanced open-source relational DBMS noted for standards compliance and extensibility.

Oracle Database

Commercial, enterprise-grade relational DBMS renowned for performance, scalability, and extensive feature set.

Oracle Database XE

Free, lightweight edition of Oracle Database for learning, development, and small deployments.

Oracle APEX

Oracle’s low-code platform for rapidly building and deploying data-driven applications.

Cloud SQL

Google Cloud’s fully managed relational database service supporting MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server.

Local Server Stack (WAMP/XAMPP/LAMP/EasyPHP)

Bundles of Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP, and related tools for local web and database development.

Scalability (DBMS)

The ability of a DBMS to handle increasing numbers of users or data volume without performance loss.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

All direct and indirect costs of acquiring, operating, and maintaining a DBMS over its lifecycle.

Usability

How intuitive and user-friendly a DBMS and its tools are for various stakeholders.

Visualization & Reporting

Features that allow users to graphically analyze data and generate reports from the DBMS.

Security (DBMS)

Mechanisms that protect data confidentiality, integrity, and availability within the DBMS.

Concurrency Control

Techniques that ensure correct results when multiple users access or modify data simultaneously.

Recovery

DBMS capability to restore data to a consistent state after failures.

Integrity Constraints

Rules enforced by the DBMS to maintain accurate and consistent data.

Operating System Support

The set of OS platforms and versions on which a DBMS can run.

Supporting Software Tools

Auxiliary utilities—ETL, BI, monitoring, IDEs—that integrate with and enhance a DBMS.