PG & RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
II [Link]. COMPUTER SCIENCE - SEMESTER III
DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - ELABORATE NOTES
UNIT I: DATABASE CONCEPTS
1. Database Systems, Data vs Information, Introduction to Database
Database Systems:
A database system is an organized collection of data and a set of programs that manage the data. It allows
users to store, manipulate, retrieve, and manage data efficiently. A Database Management System (DBMS)
is software that facilitates the creation, organization, and maintenance of databases.
Data vs Information:
- Data: Raw, unorganized facts that need to be processed. Example: Numbers, names, or addresses.
- Information: Processed, organized, and meaningful data used for decision-making. Example: A list of
students who scored above 90%.
Introduction to Database:
A database is a structured collection of data stored electronically. Databases support operations like storing,
retrieving, updating, and deleting data.
2. File System, Problems with File System
File System:
PG & RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
II [Link]. COMPUTER SCIENCE - SEMESTER III
DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - ELABORATE NOTES
The file system is a traditional method of storing data where files are created and maintained manually. Each
application manages its own data using its own set of files.
Problems with File System:
- Data Redundancy: Same data stored in multiple places.
- Data Inconsistency: Changes in one file do not reflect elsewhere.
- Lack of Data Integrity: No enforcement of data rules.
- Limited Data Sharing: Difficult to share data between applications.
- Security Issues: Poor access control.
- Difficult Backup and Recovery: Manual and error-prone processes.
3. Database Systems, Data Models - Importance, Basic Building Blocks
Database Systems:
A DBMS overcomes file system problems by providing centralized control of data, enforcing data integrity,
and facilitating data sharing.
Data Models:
A data model defines how data is organized, stored, and manipulated.
Types of Data Models:
- Hierarchical Model
- Network Model
PG & RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
II [Link]. COMPUTER SCIENCE - SEMESTER III
DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - ELABORATE NOTES
- Relational Model
- Object-Oriented Model
Importance of Data Models:
- Provide structure and format for data.
- Define relationships between data.
- Improve understanding of data.
- Facilitate communication between stakeholders.
Basic Building Blocks:
- Entities: Real-world objects (e.g., Student, Course).
- Attributes: Properties of entities (e.g., Name, Roll Number).
- Relationships: Associations between entities (e.g., Student ENROLLS in Course).
4. Business Rules, Evolution of Data Models
Business Rules:
Business rules are specific policies, procedures, or principles that define or constrain aspects of the
database. They ensure that the data adheres to organizational requirements.
Example: "Each student can enroll in a maximum of 5 courses."
Evolution of Data Models:
PG & RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
II [Link]. COMPUTER SCIENCE - SEMESTER III
DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - ELABORATE NOTES
- 1960s: Hierarchical and Network models.
- 1970s: Introduction of Relational model (E.F. Codd).
- 1980s: Object-Oriented models.
- 1990s-Present: Enhanced models like Object-Relational and NoSQL for unstructured data.
5. Degrees of Data Abstraction
Data abstraction helps hide unnecessary details from users and provides different views of the data.
Levels of Data Abstraction:
1. Physical Level: Describes how data is stored physically.
2. Logical Level: Describes what data is stored and the relationships.
3. View Level: Describes how users interact with the system, providing multiple views for different users.
Data abstraction simplifies database management and enhances security by restricting direct access to
physical data.
