What is a database?
Database is a collection of data which is interrelated and is used to retrieve, insert, and modify data efficiently. It can also be used to organize the data in the database in a schema, table, views, reports, etc.
Information retrieval, modification, deletion and insertion can be done using the database.
Database Management System
Database management system offers an interface for performing a number of operations like creation of a database, data storage, updating data, creating tables to store information in it and much more. DBMS also offers security and protection to the database and maintains data consistency in case there is more than one user.
DBMS enables users for the tasks as stated below:
- Data definition: DBMS is used for the creation of definition, their modification, and the removal of definitions that define the organization of data in the database.
- Data updation: DBMS is used for updating the data in the database through the means of modification, insertion, and deletion of actual data.
- Data retrieval: It is used for the retrieval of data by the application to perform various functions.
- User Administration: DBMS is used for registration and monitoring of users, concurrency control, maintaining data integrity, monitoring performance, enforcing data security, and recovering data lost due to critical failure.
Characteristics of DBMS
- It establishes a digital repository on a server to store and manage the data in the database.
- It provides a clear view and a logical view of the process manipulating the data.
- DBMS offers automatic backup and recovery of the data.
- DBMS maintains data in a healthy manner in case of failure due to ACID properties.
- It has the ability to reduce the complicated relationship between the data in the database.
- It is used for processing and manipulation of the data.
- It provides security of data.
- It can view the database from different viewpoints depending on the needs of the users.
Advantages of DBMS
- Controls database redundancy: All the data is stored in one place, and that recorded in the database and hence controls the redundancy in the database.
- Data sharing: DBMS allows users with authority to share the data in the database with multiple users.
- Easy Maintenance: The centralized nature of the database helps in the easy maintenance of the data.
- Reduce time: It reduces the maintenance need and development time.
- Backup: It automatically backs up data to maintain its integrity in case of failure.
- Multiple user interfaces: It offers a number of user interface to multiple users.
Disadvantages of DBMS
- Cost of software and hardware: It requires a number of high powered processors and large size memory to run DBMS.
- Size: a Large amount of storage size is required to run DBMS efficiently.
- Complexity: DBMS adds an additional layer of complexity to the data.
- Higher impact of failure: DBMS faces a higher risk of losing the data since all the data is stored at a single location and a catastrophic failure can wipe it all.
