Database Management

Essay by winlook007University, Bachelor's January 2006

download word file, 20 pages 3.8

A Course Presented to The Academic Department Of the School of Business and Economics In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master in Information Systems

Introduction

A collection of programs that enables you to store, modify, and extract information from a database. There are many different types of DBMSs, ranging from small systems that run on personal computers to huge systems that run on mainframes. The following are examples of database applications:

. Computerized library systems

. Automated teller machines

. Flight reservation systems

. computerized parts inventory systems

From a technical standpoint, DBMSs can differ widely. The terms relational, network, flat, and hierarchical all refer to the way a DBMS organizes information internally. The internal organization can affect how quickly and flexibly you can extract information.

Requests for information from a database are made in the form of a query, which is a stylized question.

For example, the query

SELECT ALL WHERE NAME = "SMITH" AND AGE 35

requests all records in which the NAME field is SMITH and the AGE field is greater than 35. The set of rules for constructing queries is known as a query language. Different DBMSs support different query languages, although there is a semi-standardized query language called SQL (structured query language). Sophisticated languages for managing database systems are called fourth-generation languages, or 4GLs for short.

The information from a database can be presented in a variety of formats. Most DBMSs include a report writer program that enables you to output data in the form of a report. Many DBMSs also include a graphics component that enables you to output information in the form of graphs and charts.

What's wrong with a file system (and also what's right)

The file system that comes with your computer is a very primitive...