Unit 1: Introduction to Database

Chapter 1: Introduction to Database System

What will be covered in this chapter ?

Basic definitions, advantage of DB systems, DB systems vs File systems etc.

Let's begin 🤗

1.0 Basic Definitions

1.0.1 File

A file is a collection or set (ordered or unordered) of data elements stored on storage media.
A file can be described as a logical collection of records.

1.0.2 Record

A record is a set of logically related fields. Typically a file has a number of records in it.

A record may consists of more than one Field.

1.0.3 Data

Data are Known facts that can be recorded and that have implicit meaning.

1.0.4 Database

Database is a collection of related data with some inherent meaning.

1.0.5 Schema

Complete definition and description of the database is known as database schema.

OR

The logical structure of the database (e.g., set of customers and accounts and the relationship between them)

1.0.6 DBMS

It is a collection of programs that enables to create and maintain database. It is an application Software system that facilitates the process of defining, constructing and manipulating data bases for various applications.

There were many problems in the traditional file system and to overcome them DBMS came into existence.

• Problems of traditional file system:

  1. Data redundancy and inconsistency
  2. Concurrent access by multiple users
  3. Difficulty in accessing data
  4. Data isolation – multiple files and formats
  5. Integrity problems
  6. Atomicity of updates
  7. Security problems

• Types of DBMS:

  1. Hierarchical
  2. Network DBMS
  3. Object-oriented
  4. Relational DBMS or RDBMS

1.0.7 RDBMS

Definition: A database system made up of files with data elements in two-dimensional array (rows and columns). This database system has the capability to recombine data elements to form different relations resulting in a great flexibility of data usage.

• The Relational DB Concept was proposed by Dr. Codd in 1970

• The relational model contains the following components:

  1. Collection of objects or relations
  2. Set of operations to act on the relations
  3. Data integrity for accuracy and consistency

• Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) consists of:

  1. A set of tables
  2. A schema:
     • is a description of data in terms of data model
     • defines tables and their attributes (field or column)

• Examples of RDBMS

  • Client/Server Databases
  • MySQL (open-source)
  • Oracle
  • SQLServer (Microsoft)
  • Personal Databases
  • MS Access
  • MS Excel
  • Embedded Databases
  • SQlite

What will be covered in the next chapter ?

• Database System Concepts and Architecture
  1. Data Models
  2. Schemas and Instances
  3. Three schema architecture
  4. Data independencies

Thank you !!