Chapter 4

Data Storage and

Retrieval

Sufian K (M.Sc.)
[email protected]

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 Content
 Introduction

 Mobile Database (Distributed Database )

 Characteristic of Distributed Database

 Types of Storages and Android Storing and Retrieving

Data

 Query processing in mobile databases

 Mobile Database System Architectures

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 Introduction

• A Mobile database is a database that can be connected to

a mobile computing device over a mobile network (or
wireless network).
Here the client and the server have wireless
connections.

• In today’s world, mobile computing is growing very rapidly,

and it is huge potential in the field of the database.

• It will be applicable on different-different devices like

android based mobile databases, iOS based mobile
databases, etc.
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 Mobile distributed database
• A distributed database is characterized by its data storage
across multiple locations, concurrent accessibility, and
synchronization of data.

• A distributed database system is a collection of multiple

interconnected databases, which are spread physically across
various locations that communicate via a data network.
−This means that the data is not stored in a central location
but it is distributed and stored across different sites.

• This distribution of data increases the reliability and availability

of the data as it is not dependent on a single site.

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 Characteristics of a distributed
database

• Concurrent accessibility
This means that the data can be accessed and
modified simultaneously by multiple users without
causing any conflicts.

• Synchronization of data
This means changes made to the data at one site
are reflected across all other sites.

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Characteristics of a distributed
database
• A distributed database is designed to be scalable.

• This means that as the volume of data or the

number of users increases,
• the system can be easily expanded by adding more
sites.

• Provide a high level of transparency which means that

to the user, the distributed nature of the database is
invisible.

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 Types of data storages in mobile devices

• We employ some form of storage in Android to retain

the data permanently (until destroyed) for future
reference.

• The choice of data storage mechanism depends on

the type and amount of data to be stored, as well as

the specific needs of the application.

• By choosing the appropriate data storage mechanism,

developers can ensure that
their applications are efficient, secure, and
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scalable.
 Types of data storages in Mobile Devices

• Data storage is a critical aspect of Android application

development.

• Android provides developers with several options for

storing data, including:

• Shared Preferences are a simple key-value storage

mechanism that allows developers to store small
amounts of data, such as user preferences, settings, or
other configuration data.

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 Types of data storages in mobile devices

• Internal Storage is a private file system that is only

accessible to the application that created it.
It can be used to store application-specific data, such
as cached images, downloaded files, or user data

• External Storage is a public file system that can be

accessed by any application.
It can be used to store large files, such as media
files or documents, that need to be shared between
applications or persisted across app updates.

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 Types of data storages in mobile devices

• SQLite Database: SQLite is a powerful relational database

management system that is integrated into the Android
platform.
 SQLite can be used to store large amounts of structured
data, such as user data or application settings.

• Content Providers are a powerful data storage mechanism

that allows applications to share data with other applications.
It can be used to store and retrieve data in a centralized
location, such as a SQLite database.

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 Types of data storages in mobile devices

• Cloud Storage enables users to store data remotely on

internet-based servers instead of using physical
storage on the device.

• Popular cloud services like Google Drive, iCloud,

Dropbox, and OneDrive offer cloud storage for
mobile users.

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 Query processing in mobile databases, query
decomposition, data localization, optimization

• Query is a statements requesting the retrievals of

information’s or data

• Query processing in mobile databases involves

handling database queries efficiently in environments
with mobile devices,
−which are constrained by limited processing power,
intermittent connectivity, and variable data locations
(local device, cloud, etc.).

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 Query processing in mobile databases, query
decomposition, data localization, optimization

• The goal is to ensure that queries are executed in a way

that optimizes for resource usage, performance, and
data accuracy, while addressing the challenges of
distributed and often disconnected operations.

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 Query processing in mobile databases, query
decomposition, data localization, optimization

• Key aspects of query processing in mobile databases

include query decomposition, data localization, and
query optimization.

• Let’s explore each of these components in detail:

• Query Decomposition is the process of breaking down a

complex query into smaller, simpler sub-queries that can be
processed individually.
This is particularly important in mobile and distributed
databases where data may be located across different
devices and servers.
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 Query processing in mobile databases, query
decomposition, data localization, optimization

• Data localization refers to identifying where data resides

(either locally on the mobile device or remotely in the cloud)
and ensuring that queries are processed efficiently based on
the location of the data.

• In a mobile environment, data may be distributed across:

• Local device storage: Such as SQLite or Realm databases

on the mobile device.
• Remote servers or cloud databases: Such as Firebase
Realtime Database, Firestore, or custom server-side
databases.
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• Hybrid systems: Some data resides locally and some in15
 Query processing in mobile databases, query
decomposition, data localization, optimization

• Query optimization in mobile databases is crucial to

ensure that queries are executed efficiently, considering
the constraints of mobile devices such as limited
processing power, memory, and network bandwidth.

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 Architecture of databases for mobile systems

• The architecture of databases for mobile systems is

designed to meet the unique requirements and constraints
of mobile devices, such as
 limited storage, battery power, intermittent network
connectivity, and the need for offline data access.

• The most common architectures include standalone (on

device), client-server, cloud-backed, and hybrid models,
with a strong focus on local storage efficiency, sync
mechanisms, and scalability in cloud infrastructures

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 Architecture of databases for mobile systems

The below are some of typical database architectures used in

mobile systems:

• Standalone Mobile Database Architecture

In this architecture, the database resides entirely on the
mobile device.
It doesn’t rely on continuous network connectivity, and
the data is processed locally.

• The database engine is embedded within the mobile app

and runs locally on the device.
Example SQLite, Realm
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 Architecture of databases for mobile systems

Client-Server Database Architecture

• This is involves a centralized database (often cloud-

based), and the mobile device acts as a client that
communicates with the server.

• The mobile app fetches, updates, and syncs data with

the server as needed.
Example Client-Side Database (SQLite or Realm) and
Sever side (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB) are used.

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 Architecture of databases for mobile systems

Cloud-Backed Mobile Database Architecture

• This leverages cloud services to store and manage

mobile data, with mobile devices often acting as thin
clients.

• It’s suitable for apps that require real-time data syncing,

scalability, and robust user management.

• Example Databases hosted in the cloud, like Firebase

Realtime Database, Firestore etc.

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 Architecture of databases for mobile systems

Hybrid Architecture (Edge-Cloud)

• This is combines both local storage on the device

(edge) and centralized cloud storage.

• Mobile devices store essential data locally and offload

more complex data processing or large-scale storage
to the cloud.

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 Thank You!

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