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Data Dictionary (Autosaved)

A data dictionary stores metadata about the data elements in a database, including names, definitions, attributes, and relationships. It provides consistency, structured analysis and design tools, and naming conventions. There are two main types: integrated data dictionaries contained within the DBMS, and stand-alone data dictionaries managed separately. An integrated data dictionary automatically updates metadata when the database changes, while a stand-alone dictionary requires manual updates.

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13 views

Data Dictionary (Autosaved)

A data dictionary stores metadata about the data elements in a database, including names, definitions, attributes, and relationships. It provides consistency, structured analysis and design tools, and naming conventions. There are two main types: integrated data dictionaries contained within the DBMS, and stand-alone data dictionaries managed separately. An integrated data dictionary automatically updates metadata when the database changes, while a stand-alone dictionary requires manual updates.

Uploaded by

ishasidana786
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Intro

A data dictionary in Database Management System (DBMS) can be defined as a


component that stores the collection of names, definitions, and attributes for data
elements that are being used in a database. The Data Dictionary stores metadata, i.e.,
data about the database. These data elements are then used as part of a database,
research project, or information system.
Why Use a Data Dictionary?

• Data Dictionary is made up of two words, data which means the


collected information through multiple sources,
and dictionary meaning the place where all this information is made
available.
• A data dictionary is a crucial part of a relational database as it
provides additional information about the relationships between
multiple tables in a database. The data dictionary in DBMS helps the
user to arrange data in a neat and well-organized way, thus
preventing data redundancy.
Example
• Below is a data dictionary describing the table containing employee
details.

Attribute Name Data Type Max Field Size Description isRequired


A unique ID for each
Employee ID Integer 10 Yes
Employee
Name of the
Name Text 25 Yes
Employee

Date of Birth of the


Date of Birth DateTime 10 Yes
Employee

Contact Number of
Mobile Number Integer 10 Yes
the Employee
advantages
Data models in DBMS provide very little information about the database, so
a data dictionary is very essential to have proper knowledge about
entities, relationships, and attributes that are present in a data model.
• The Data Dictionary provides consistency by reducing data redundancy in
the collection and use of data across various members of a team.
• The Data Dictionary provides structured analysis and design tools by
enforcing the use of data standards. Data standards are the set of rules that
govern the way data is collected, recorded, and represented.
• Using a Data Dictionary helps to define naming conventions that are used
in a model.
Types of Data Dictionary in DBMS

• There are mainly two types of data dictionary in a database


management system:
• Integrated Data Dictionary
• Stand Alone Data Dictionary
1. Integrated Data Dictionary

• Every relational database has an Integrated Data Dictionary contained within the DBMS.
This integrated data dictionary acts as a system catalog that is accessed and updated by
the relational database. In older databases, they did not include an integrated data
dictionary, so in that case, the database administrator had to use Stand Alone Data
Dictionary. In DBMS, an Integrated Data Dictionary can bind metadata to data.
• The Integrated Data Dictionary can be further classified into two types:
• Active: An active data dictionary is updated automatically by the DBMS whenever any
changes are made to the database. This is also known as a self-updating dictionary as it
keeps the information up-to-date.
•
• Passive: In contrast to an active dictionary, a passive dictionary needs to be updated
manually whenever any changes are made to the database. This type of data dictionary
is difficult to handle as it requires proper handling. Otherwise, the database and the data
dictionary will get unsynchronized.
2. Stand Alone Data Dictionary
• In DBMS, this type of data dictionary is very flexible as it allows the Database Administrator to define and manage all the
confidential data. It doesn't matter whether the data is computerized or not. A stand-alone data dictionary allows database
designers to interact with end-users regardless of the data dictionary format.
• There is no standard format for a data dictionary. Below given are some of the common elements:
• Data Elements: The Data Dictionary stores the definition of all the data elements such as name, datatype, storage formats, and
validation rules.
• Tables: All information regarding the table, such as the user who created the table, the number of rows and columns, the date on
which the table was created and accessed, etc.
• Index: Indexes for defined database tables are stored in the data dictionary. DBMS stores the index name used by the attributes,
location, and characteristics of the index, as well as the date of creation, in each index.
• Programs: Programs defined to access the database, including reports, application and screen formats, SQL queries, etc., are also
stored in the data dictionary.
• Relationship between data elements: The Data Dictionary stores the type of relationship; for example, if it is compulsory or
optional, the cardinality of the relationship and connectivity, etc.
• Administrations and End-Users: The Data Dictionary stores all the information of the administration along with the end-users.
• The metadata in DBMS, which is stored in the Data Dictionary, is similar to a monitor that monitors the use of the database and
the allocation of permission to access the database by the users.
How to Create a Data Dictionary?

• As discussed above, most businesses rely on database management


systems having an integrated data dictionary as they are updated
automatically and are easy to maintain. Documentation for a data
dictionary can be generated in various types of relational databases
like MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, etc.
• While creating a stand-alone data dictionary, the database
administrator can take the help of a template in SQL Server, Oracle, or
even Microsoft Excel.
Various notations used to create a data
dictionary are:

Data Construct Notation Stands For


Composition = is composed of
Sequence + AND
Selection [|] OR
Repetition {}�{}n n repetitions
Parentheses () to represent optional data
Comment *…* to define a comment

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