Database Systems
Dr David G. Mwathi
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Lecture Objectives
Some common uses of database systems.
Characteristics of file-based systems.
Problems with file-based approach.
Meaning of the term database.
Meaning of the term Database Management System
(DBMS).
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Lecture Objectives
Typical functions of a DBMS.
Major components of the DBMS environment.
Personnel involved in the DBMS environment.
History of the development of DBMSs.
Advantages and disadvantages of DBMSs.
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Examples of Database Applications
Purchases from the supermarket
Purchases using your credit card
Booking a holiday at the travel agents
Using the local library
Taking out insurance
Renting a video
Using the Internet
Studying at university
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Definitions of Database
Def 1: Database is an organized collection of
logically related data
Def 2: A database is a shared collection of logically
related data that is stored to meet the requirements of
different users of an organization
Def 3: A database is a self-describing collection of
integrated records
Def 4: A database models a particular real world
system in the computer in the form of data
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Definitions
Data: stored representations of meaningful objects and
events or
Referred to facts concerning objects and events that
could be recorded and stored on computer media
Structured: numbers, text, dates
Unstructured: images, video, documents
Information: data processed to increase knowledge in
the person using the data
Metadata: data that describes the properties and
context of user data
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What is a Database
Shared collection of logically related data (and a
description of this data), designed to meet the
information needs of an organization.
System catalog (metadata) provides description of
data to enable program–data independence.
Logically related data comprises entities,
attributes, and relationships of an organization’s
information.
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Figure 1-1a Data in Context
Context helps users understand data
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Graphical displays turn data into useful information
that managers can use for decision making and
interpretation
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Descriptions of the properties or characteristics of the data,
including data types, field sizes, allowable values, and data
context
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The concept of a shared organizational
database
Management Marketing
Product
Planning Control Sales
Development
Corporate
Database
Accounting Manufacturing
Accounts Accounts
Scheduling Production
Receivable Payable
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A bit of History
Computer initially used for computational/ engineering
purposes
Commercial applications introduced File Processing
System
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File Processing System
A collection of application programs that perform
services for the end-users such as production of
reports
Each program defines and manages its own data
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File Processing Systems
Library Examination Registration
Library Examination Registration
Applications Applications Applications
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Data Data Data
Files Files Files
Chapter 1 Program and Data Interdependence 14
File Processing Systems
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Reg_Number Reg_Number Reg_Number
Name Name Name
Father Name Address Father Name
Books Issued Class Phone
Fine Semester Address
Grade Class
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Files Based Processing
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Disadvantages of File Processing
Program-Data Dependence
File structure is defined in the program code.
All programs maintain metadata for each file they use
Duplication of Data (Data Redundancy)
Different systems/programs have separate copies of the same data
Same data is held by different programs.
Wasted space and potentially different values and/or different formats for
the same item.
Limited Data Sharing
No centralized control of data
Programs are written in different languages, and so cannot easily access
each other’s files.
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Disadvantages of File Processing
Lengthy Development Times
Programmers must design their own file formats
Excessive Program Maintenance
80% of of information systems budget
Vulnerable to Inconsistency
Change in one table need changes in corresponding tables as well
otherwise data will be inconsistent
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Problems with Data Dependency
Each application programmer must maintain their
own data
Each application program needs to include code
for the metadata of each file
Each application program must have its own
processing routines for reading, inserting, updating
and deleting data
Lack of coordination and central control
Non-standard file formats
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Problems with Data Redundancy
Waste of space to have duplicate data
Causes more maintenance headaches
The biggest problem:
When data changes in one file, could cause
inconsistencies (Vulnerable to Inconsistency)
Compromises data integrity (data reliability)
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SOLUTION:
The DATABASE Approach
Central repository of shared data
Data is managed by a controlling agent
Stored in a standardized, convenient form
This requires a
Database and Database Management System (DBMS)
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Advantages of Database Approach
Library Examination Registration
Library Examination Registration
Applications Applications Applications
Database
Management
System
- Data Sharing - Data Independence
- Controlled Redundancy University - Better Data Integrity
Students
Database
Chapter 1 22
Database Management System
A software system that is used to create, maintain,
and provide controlled access to users of a database
(Database) application program: A computer program
that interacts with database by issuing an appropriate
request (SQL statement) to the DBMS
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Database Management System
DBMS manages data resources like an operating system manages hardware resources
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