Introduction to Database Management Systems – Vocabulary Flashcards

40 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture on file-based systems, database approach, database environment, and the database development life cycle.

Data

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

Information

Data that has been processed to be useful in decision-making.

Metadata

Data that describes other data, providing context or structure.

Database

A shared collection of logically related data, together with a description of this data, designed to meet an organization’s information needs.

Manual Filing System

Paper-based record keeping system updated manually, prone to wear, loss, and slow retrieval.

File-Based System (FBS)

A collection of application programs where each program defines and manages its own data files.

Data Separation and Isolation

Situation in FBS where each program maintains its own data set, hindering cross-program access.

Data Duplication

Same data stored by different programs, wasting space and risking inconsistent values.

Data Dependence

File structure embedded in program code; changes in data structure require program changes.

Incompatible Data

Different file formats or languages in FBS that prevent programs from easily accessing one another’s files.

Database Approach

Method where data is centrally stored, managed by a DBMS, and accessed by multiple applications.

DBMS (Database Management System)

Software that stores, retrieves, and manages data in a database.

Data Independence

Ability to change the database schema without altering application programs.

Data Consistency

Assurance that each data item is stored once, eliminating conflicting versions.

Data Redundancy Control

Minimizing duplicate data storage to save space and ease updates.

Data Integrity

Accuracy and validity of data enforced through constraints and validation rules.

Data Security

Protection of data so only authorized users can access or modify it.

Centralized Control of Data

DBA regulates access rights and structures data to meet organizational needs.

Database Environment

Collection of components—people, hardware, software, procedure, and data—that make up a database system.

Application Programmer

Developer who writes application programs and can manipulate the database fully.

End User

Person who accesses the database via queries or applications to retrieve needed information.

Database Administrator (DBA)

Individual responsible for database design, construction, security, and maintenance.

Software (in DB environment)

Operating system, network software, DBMS, and application programs controlling data management.

Hardware (in DB environment)

Physical devices—from PCs to networks, storage media, and I/O devices—supporting the database system.

Procedure

Documentation and instructions guiding operation, troubleshooting, and usage of the database system.

Database Planning

First phase of DBLC focusing on management tasks, workload, and resource assessment.

System Definition

Phase defining system scope, application areas, and intended users.

Requirements Collection and Analysis

Process of determining how users will interact with the system and their expectations.

Database Design

Creation of a database structure to support enterprise operations and objectives.

Conceptual Design

High-level representation of organizational data, independent of DBMS or hardware.

Logical Design

Translation of the conceptual model into logical structures (e.g., relational tables) for a specific DBMS.

Physical Design

Specification of storage structures, file organizations, and indexing for efficient data retrieval.

DBMS Selection

Choosing an appropriate DBMS to support the database application before physical design.

Application Design

Design of user interfaces and programs that process and display database information.

Prototyping

Building a working model of the database application for demonstration and refinement.

Implementation

Physical realization and installation of the database and its applications.

Data Conversion and Loading

Transferring and transforming existing data into the new database system.

Testing

Executing applications to identify and fix errors before deployment.

Operational Maintenance

Ongoing tuning, upgrades, and support of the database after it becomes operational.

Database Evaluation

Polling and interviewing users to identify unmet data needs and areas for improvement.