Database Management System – Definition, Basic Database Terminologies, Forms of Database (SS3 NOTES)

 Database Management System

 Definition, Basic Database Terminologies, Forms of Database

Definition of Database and DBMS

Database is a collection of related data organized for rapid search and retrieval. It can also be defined as a persistent, logically coherent collection of inherently meaningful data, relevant to some aspects of the real world.

DBMS (Data Base Management System): DBMS is an application software that controls the data in the database, including overall organization, storage, retrieval, security and data integrity.

Examples of DBMS Packages

(i) Dbase
(ii) Rbase
(iii) MS Access
(iv) Oracle
(v) Paradox
(vi) MYSQL Server
(vii) SyBase
(viii) FOXPRO
(ix) IDMS
(x) System 2000.
(xi) Ingres
(xii) Postgres
(xiii) NoSQL

Basic Database Terminologies

(i) Field: A field is a specific item of information containing a homogenous set of values throughout the table. Fields appear as columns in a table and as cells in a form.
(ii) Record: an individual listing of related information consisting of several related fields stored in a table. A record is also called a row in the datasheet.
(iii) File: this is a collection of records, for example, a school database.
(iv) Primary Key: A primary key is a field in a table whose value uniquely identifies each record in the table.
Fields that can serve as primary keys are:
Admission number
Matricultion number
BVN
Driving license number
phone number
Email address
Bank account number
Finger print
NIN, etc

(v) Foreign keys: foreign key used to create relationships between tables.
(vi) Object: An object is a component of a database, such as a table, query, form, or report
a. Query: A query is a request for a particular collection of data in a database.
b. Report: a formatted collection of information organized to provide printed data on a specific subject.
c. Form: A form is a window or screen that contains numerous fields, or spaces to enter data
d. Table: In a database, a table is where all the data in the database is stored.

Forms of Database Organization

Different forms of database organization are1. Hierarchical
2. Network
3. Relational1. Hierarchical Database
A hierarchical database model is a data model in which the data is organized into a tree-like structure. It can also be defined as a design that uses a one-to-many relationship for data elements.

2. Network Database
A network database is a type of database model wherein multiple member records or files can be linked to multiple owner files and vice versa.

3. Relational DatabaseA relational database presents information in tables with rows and columns. Records are arranged in rows while fields are arranged in columns. A relational database is the most common type of database structure. It is used by most microcomputers. The various software systems used to maintain relational databases are known as Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS).

Basic Operations on Already created Database

The following operations can be performed on an existing database
i. Searching
ii. Modifying
iii. Sorting
iv. Reporting
v. Selecting
vi. Inserting
vii Querying, etc

CLASS ACTIVITIES

1. Define database  and list four (4) examples of Database management system.

2. Explain any three (3) database terminologies.

3. What is hierarchical database