Detailed Notes on DBMS
1. Introduction to DBMS
A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that manages
the storage, retrieval, and updating of data in a systematic and
efficient way. Instead of relying on traditional file-processing
systems (which suffer from data redundancy and inconsistency),
DBMS ensures centralized control of data.
Database → A collection of related data.
DBMS → A set of programs to manage and manipulate that
data.
Examples: Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, DB2, MongoDB.
2. File System vs DBMS
File System Limitations:
o Data redundancy (duplicate copies).
o Data inconsistency.
o No security or controlled access.
o Difficult backup/recovery.
o Lack of concurrent access.
DBMS Advantages:
o Centralized storage.
o Security control.
o Multi-user environment.
o Backup & recovery support.
o Querying and reporting made easy.
3. Characteristics of DBMS
1. Data Abstraction: Users interact with high-level data, without
worrying about low-level details.
2. Data Independence: Application programs are not affected by
changes in database structure.
3. Efficient Data Retrieval: Optimized queries ensure faster
results.
4. Concurrency Control: Many users can access the same data
simultaneously.
5. Transaction Management: Ensures that database remains
consistent even in case of failure.
6. Security: Controls unauthorized access to sensitive data.
7. Backup and Recovery: Restores data after crashes.
4. Components of DBMS
1. Hardware: Storage devices, servers, and client machines.
2. Software: DBMS software itself (Oracle, MySQL).
3. Data: Stored in databases in structured form.
4. Users:
o Database Administrator (DBA): Maintains the system.
o Application Programmers: Write software to interact with
DB.
o End Users: Use applications to access data.
5. Types of DBMS
1. Hierarchical DBMS: Data stored in tree-like structure.
(Example: IMS by IBM)
2. Network DBMS: Uses pointers and records forming a graph
structure.
3. Relational DBMS (RDBMS): Stores data in tables with rows
(tuples) and columns (attributes). Most widely used. (Example:
MySQL, Oracle)
4. Object-Oriented DBMS (OODBMS): Stores data in the form of
objects (used in CAD, multimedia).
5. NoSQL DBMS: For unstructured/big data. Examples: MongoDB,
Cassandra.
6. DBMS Architecture
1. 1-Tier Architecture: DBMS and user both on the same system.
2. 2-Tier Architecture: Client interacts with database server
directly.
3. 3-Tier Architecture: Client → Application Server → Database
Server (most secure and scalable).
7. Three Levels of Data Abstraction
1. Physical Level: How data is actually stored.
2. Logical Level: What data is stored and what relationships exist.
3. View Level: How data is presented to end-users.
8. Data Models in DBMS
Hierarchical Model
Network Model
Relational Model (most popular)
Entity-Relationship (ER) Model – Uses entities, attributes, and
relationships.
Object-Based Models
9. Keys in DBMS
1. Primary Key: Uniquely identifies a record.
2. Candidate Key: Possible options for primary key.
3. Super Key: Set of attributes that uniquely identifies a record.
4. Foreign Key: Refers to a primary key in another table.
5. Composite Key: A key formed from two or more attributes.
10. Normalization
Process of organizing data to reduce redundancy and improve
integrity.
1NF: Eliminate repeating groups.
2NF: Remove partial dependency.
3NF: Remove transitive dependency.
BCNF: Stronger version of 3NF.
11. Transactions in DBMS
A Transaction is a sequence of operations performed as a
single logical unit.
Must follow ACID Properties:
o A – Atomicity: All or nothing.
o C – Consistency: Database moves from one valid state to
another.
o I – Isolation: Multiple transactions do not interfere.
o D – Durability: Once committed, changes are permanent.
12. SQL (Structured Query Language)
DDL (Data Definition Language): CREATE, ALTER, DROP.
DML (Data Manipulation Language): SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE,
DELETE.
DCL (Data Control Language): GRANT, REVOKE.
TCL (Transaction Control Language): COMMIT, ROLLBACK,
SAVEPOINT.
13. Advantages of DBMS
Reduces redundancy.
Increases data consistency.
Data security and integrity.
Multi-user support.
Easier data sharing.
Backup and recovery.
14. Disadvantages of DBMS
High cost of installation and maintenance.
Requires specialized staff (DBAs).
Complexity of implementation.
May require powerful hardware.
15. Applications of DBMS
Banking: Transactions, accounts, loans.
E-commerce: Product catalogs, user accounts.
Education: Student records, exam results.
Healthcare: Patient management systems.
Government: Census, taxation, IDs.
Airlines: Reservations, ticketing systems.
✅ Summary:
DBMS is essential for structured data management. It provides
security, data independence, recovery, and efficient storage.
Modern applications like banking, e-commerce, healthcare, and
social media cannot function without DBMS.
