DBMS Q1L1

Lesson 1: DATABASE ENVIRONMENT

Database

Organized collection of logically related data.

Data

Stored representations of meaningful objects and events.

Information

Data processed to increase knowledge in the person using the data.

Metadata

Data that describes the properties and context of user data.

Database (DB) according to Pratt/Adamski

A structure that can store information about multiple types of entities, the attributes that describe those entities, and the relationships among the entities.

Database (DB) according to Elmasri/Navathe

Collection of related data with logically coherent and has some relevant meaning; designed, built and populated with data for a specific purpose; and represents some aspect of the real world.

Database (DB) according to Kroenke

An integrated, self-describing collection of related data.

Data in Context

Includes descriptions of the properties or characteristics of the data, including data types, field sizes, allowable values, and data context.

Database Management System

A software system that is used to create, maintain, and provide controlled access to user databases.

Elements of the Database Approach

Data models, Relational Databases, Use of Internet Technology, and Database Applications

Data models

Graphical system capturing nature and relationship of data.

Relational Databases

Database technology involving tables (relations) representing entities and primary/foreign keys representing relationships.

Use of Internet Technology

Networks and telecommunications, distributed databases, client-server, and 3-tier architectures.

Database Applications

Application programs used to perform database activities (create, read, update, and delete) for database users.

Components of the Database Environment

CASE Tools, Repository, Database Management System, Database, Application Programs, User Interface, Data/Database Administrators, System Developers, and End Users

CASE Tools

Computer-Aided Software Engineering

Repository

Centralized storehouse of metadata.

Database

Storehouse of the data.

Application Programs

Software using the data.

User Interface

Text and graphical displays to users.

Data/Database Administrators

Personnel responsible for maintaining the database.

System Developers

Personnel responsible for designing databases and software.

End Users

People who use the applications and databases.

Range of Database Applications

Personal databases, Workgroup databases, Departmental/divisional databases, and Enterprise database

Enterprise Database Applications

Enterprise Resource Planning and Data Warehouse

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Integrate all enterprise functions (manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, inventory, accounting, human resources).

Data Warehouse

Integrated decision support system derived from various operational databases.

User or Conceptual Models

Shows how the users recognize the business.

Logical Models

Implies the logic of business operations. The relationship between different components and the flow of data through the organization are examples of this model.

Physical Models

Denotes the actual methods in implementing the database on a computer system based on the logical model.

Database System (DBS)

A structure which contains the database, the database management system, and the application programs in which the users interact.

Approaches to Data Management

File processing system and database management system.