Database Management Systems Lecture Notes

Flashcards for database management systems review.

What does a Database Management System (DBMS) do?

Manages data resources like an operating system manages hardware resources.

What are examples of Data?

Meaningful facts, text, graphics, images, sound, video segments

What is a Database?

An organized collection of logically related data

What is Information?

Data processed to be useful in decision making

What is Metadata?

Data that describes data

What is Program-Data Dependence?

All programs maintain metadata for each file they use

What is Data Redundancy?

Different systems/programs have separate copies of the same data

What is Limited Data Sharing?

No centralized control of data

What causes Lengthy Development Times in file processing?

Programmers must design their own file formats

Why is Excessive Program Maintenance a disadvantage of file processing?

Each application programmer must maintain their own data

What is the SOLUTION to problems with file processing like data redundancy and inconsistency?

Requires a Database Management System (DBMS)

What is a Personal Database?

Standalone desktop database

What is a Workgroup Database?

Local area network (<25 users)

What is a Department Database?

Local area network (25-100 users)

What is an Enterprise Database?

Wide-area network (hundreds or thousands of users)

What are CASE Tools?

Computer-aided software engineering

What is a Repository?

Centralized storehouse of metadata

What is a Database Management System (DBMS)?

Software for managing the database

What is a Database?

Storehouse of the data

What are Application Programs?

Software using the data

What is a User Interface?

Text and graphical displays to users

Who are Data Administrators?

Personnel responsible for maintaining the database

Who are System Developers?

Personnel responsible for designing databases and software

Who are End Users?

People who use the applications and databases

What is Information Systems Architecture (ISA)?

Overall blueprint for organization’s information systems

What is the Data component of an Information Systems Architecture (ISA)?

Data (Enterprise Data Model – simplified ER Diagram)

What are the Processes component of an Information Systems Architecture (ISA)?

Data flow diagrams, process decomposition, etc.

What is the Data Network component of an Information Systems Architecture (ISA)?

Topology diagram

What is the People component of an Information Systems Architecture (ISA)?

People management using project management tools (Gantt charts, etc.)

What is Information Engineering?

A data-oriented methodology to create and maintain information systems

What are the four steps in Information Engineering?

Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation

What is the result of the analysis phase in information engineering?

Results in functional specifications

What is the result of the design phase in information engineering?

Results in design specifications

What is the result of the implementation phase in information engineering?

Results in final operational system