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File Systems and Databases

This document discusses files and databases. It defines a file as a collection of related records and a database as a collection of similar records with relationships. It introduces major database concepts like data, information, data management, database administration, and metadata. It discusses the limitations of a file-based approach like data redundancy, limited sharing and lengthy development times. It presents the database management system (DBMS) as the solution, allowing for centralized data control and easier access. Popular DBMS include Sybase, Informix, and Borland Interbase. The components of a database system are also outlined.

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Zapish Saeed
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27 views

File Systems and Databases

This document discusses files and databases. It defines a file as a collection of related records and a database as a collection of similar records with relationships. It introduces major database concepts like data, information, data management, database administration, and metadata. It discusses the limitations of a file-based approach like data redundancy, limited sharing and lengthy development times. It presents the database management system (DBMS) as the solution, allowing for centralized data control and easier access. Popular DBMS include Sybase, Informix, and Borland Interbase. The components of a database system are also outlined.

Uploaded by

Zapish Saeed
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lecture 1

File Systems and Databases


Files and Databases
• File: A collection of records or documents
dealing with one organization, person, area or
subject (Rowley)
– Manual (paper) files
– Computer files
• Database: A collection of similar records with
relationships between the records (Rowley)
– Bibliographic, statistical, business data, images,
etc.
Introducing the Database
• Major Database Concepts
– Data and information
• Data - Raw facts
• Information - Processed data

– Data management & Data Administrator


– Database & Database Administrator
– Metadata
– Database management system (DBMS)
Contents of the CUSTOMER File
Table 1.1 Basic File Terminology
Data “Raw” facts that have little meaning unless they have been
organized in some logical manner. The smallest piece of data
that can be “recognized” by the computer is a single
character, such as the letter A, the number 5, or some
symbol such as; ‘ ? > * +. A single character requires one
byte of computer storage.
Field A character or group of characters (alphabetic or numeric)
that has a specific meaning. A field might define a telephone
numbers, a birth date, a customer name, a year-to-date
(YTD) sales value, and so on.
Record A logically connected set of one or more fields that describes
a person, place, or thing. For example, the fields that
comprise a record for a customer named J. D. Rudd might
consist of J. D. Rudd’s name, address, phone number, date
of birth, credit limit, unpaid balance, and so on.
File A collection of related records. For example, a file might
contain data about ROBCOR Company’s vendors; or, a file
might contain the records for the students currently enrolled
at Gigantic University.
Limitation of Computerized File-based
Approach
Separation and Isolation of data

Each application maintains its own set of data.

Users of one application may be unaware of potentially


useful data held by other applications.

Duplication of data (data redundancy)

Same data is held by different files.


Limited Data Sharing
No centralized control of data
Lengthy Development Times
Programmers must design their own file formats
Excessive Program Maintenance
80% of information systems budget
Limitation of File-based
Approach
Accessibility

Data is stored using programs that are written in


different languages and format

Cannot easily access other files due to incompatible file


format.

No control over access and manipulation of data beyond


that imposed by application programs.

Hard Coded Queries (Data dependence)

File structure and all definition of data are defined in the


application program code.

Any new requirement needs a new program.


SOLUTION:
Database Processing
System
Data Administrator
Data Administrator is responsible for the
entire data of an organization. He normally
develops the overall functional requirements
for the databases being used in offices.
Database Administrator
The Database Administrator is responsible for
the design, implementation, operations,
management and maintenance of the
database.
Database Management System (DBMS)

A collection of programs that enables users to define, create


and maintain and control access to the database.

General-purpose software system that facilitates the processes


of defining, constructing and manipulating databases for
various applications.

Defining - specifying data types, structures, constraints.

Constructing - storing of data

Manipulation - querying, updating and reporting.


Popular DBMS In The Market

Sybase SQL Anywhere

Informix Dynamic Server

Borland Interbase
The DBMS Manages the Interaction
Between the End User and the Database
Database Systems

The Database System Components


– Hardware
• Computer
• Peripherals

– Software
• Operating systems software
• DBMS software
• Applications programs and utilities software
Database Systems

The Database System Components


– People
• Systems administrators
• Database administrators (DBAs)
• Database designers
• Systems analysts and programmers
• End users

– Procedures
• Instructions and rules that govern the design and use of the database
system

– Data
• Collection of facts stored in the database
Database Systems

Types of Database Systems


– Location
• Centralized
• Distributed
Data Independence
Logical Data Independence:
The capacity to change the conceptual schema without having to change
the external schemas and their associated application programs.
Physical Data Independence:
The capacity to change the internal schema without having to change the
conceptual schema. For example, the internal schema may be changed
when certain file structures are reorganized or new indexes are created to
improve database performance

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