b) Critically evaluate the advantages of database management systems
Advantages of DBMS
Data independence: - the separation of data structure of database from the application program that uses the data is called data independence in database management system; you can easily change the structure of database without modifying the application program. For example you can modify the size and data type of a data items ( fields of a database table).data independence is usually consider from two points of view, logical and physical. Data integrity: - in DB MS data in database is stored in tables. A single database contains multiple tables and relationships can be created between tables. This make easy to retrieve and update data. Data
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A form provides very easy way (user friendly) to enter data into database, edit data and display data from database. The non- technical users can also perform various operations on database through forms without going into technical details of a database.
Backup and recovery procedures: - in a computer file- based system, the user creates the backup of data regularly to protect the valuable data from damaging due to failures to the computer system and application program. It is a time consuming method, if volume of data is large. Most of the DBMS provide the backup and recovery sub-systems that automatically create the backup of data and restore data if required for instance, if the computer system fails in the middle or in the end of an update operation of the program, the recovery sub-system is responsible for making sure that the database is restored to the state it was in before the program started executing.
Improved decision making: - better managed data and improved data access make it possible to generated better- quality information, on which better decisions are based. The quality of the information generated depends on the quality of the underlying data. Data quality is a comprehensive approach to promoting the accuracy, validity and timeliness of the data. While the DBMS does not guarantee date quality, it provides a framework to facilitate data quality initiatives.
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TASK 3 –
Data objects can model relational data or advanced data types such as graphics, movies, and audio. Smalltalk, C++, Java, and others are objects used in object-oriented data. The object-relational is a combination of relational and object-oriented databases. Traditional and advanced data types can be used to construct database management systems. These systems can connect to a company’s website and update records as needed. Database Approach The main purpose of a database is data storage that can be stored and retrieved when needed. A popular common language called structured query language (SQL) is used to store and retrieve data in relational database. This language enables the systems to run a report or modify data or remove the data from the database. A database management system (DBMS) controls all aspects of a database, this is not limited to the creation, maintenance, and use of database. The DBMS ensures proper applications are able to access the database. An important purpose of a DBMS is to maintain the data definitions (data dictionary) for all the data elements in the database. It also enforces data integrity and security measures. Data Models Data models provide a contextual framework and graphical representation that aid in the definition of data elements. In a relational database, the data model lays the foundation for the database and identifies important entities,
Database is defined as “the collection of information organized in such way that a computer program can quickly select the desired pieces of data.” (Haithcoat, n.d.). In today’s technological world most of the processes is automated where database plays an important role to manage the data across a system. A database can be considered as an electronic filing system. Traditional databases are organized by fields, records, and files. A field is a single element of information; a record is one complete set of elements; and a file is a collection of records. To manage these data across the database system, DBMS came into play and the basic role was to create the management of information across all the data. DBMS plays a critical and integral component of most successful GIS and used to store, manipulate and retrieve data from the database. Although the range of DBMS structures used in GIS includes inverted list, hierarchical, network and relation design.
One of the main components of a database is characters. Characters are letters, numbers and punctuation marks. You are using characters when you are typing a sentence for example. Another main component would be fields. Fields separate data in defined fields. When data is being entered even if you don’t have an answer for all fields a space is still left but it would be blank. If you have ever seen an excel spreadsheet that would give you an idea of how data is lined out into different fields. Records are a main database component as well. Records are a group of fields that are about one thing. An example would be social security numbers in a database of patients. Each patient would have a social security number and each social security number is in a field. That field would have the same information which is that patients social security number even though every ones is different and there would be many listed depending on how many patients was in the database. Gartee, R. (2011).
The data that is being stored in a database is known as Meta data. Meta data is also recognized as schema for the real world data. It expresses that what sort of data will be stored in the database, what will be size of a assured attribute of the real world data, how many and what qualities will be used to collect the data about the entity in the database.
The system must be easily understood to others who may need access; creating only the records that are necessary, using a sensible and logical naming system, keeping the files and records up to date by sorting them regularly are ways to keep the system productive, simple and efficient. Faster filing and retrieval,
Computer databases are electronic filing system and are usually accessible on a computer network. The benefit of this method is that file access is so easy and quick by using a search process. Faster data access time can increase the productivity of managers and other employees who use data on a regular basis. Another benefit of such a system is that since electronic data is easy to backup in multiple locations, reducing the potential of a permanent data loss. The disadvantages of the electronic file system is that it prone to security since the computers are linked together on a network and hackers can get unauthorised access to your data. Another disadvantage is that it is costly to set up.
Statements from database management systems generally plays protecting role for the digital assets. In this the operating systems mechanisms typically control read and write access to entire files So they could be used to allow a user to read or to write any information.
Figure 11 shows the relationship of a database using DBMS, connecting the user with the information from the database. A database consists of many data from customers to orders, services, employees, and so on. The user can be a customer or employee. Employees use DBMS to find customer’s information, service types, and service provider information. Later in the process, the DBMS will then extract data from the database to answer the users’ questions.
Relational database contains data records that do not have a preset of relationships, permitting the user to define his or her relationship when accessing the data. Since users have much control over the data being accessed, relational databases can perform a variety of tasks. Such as defining the database; querying the database; adding, editing, and deleting data from the database; modifying the structure of the database; securing data from public access; communicating within the network; and exporting and importing data (Murthy, 2008).
Reducing data redundancy will help improve the database and it assists making data retrieval more simple and easy. Data redundancy makes the storage space needed for the database smaller as it is more efficient compared to older flat based databases which wasted space as it stored the same information in more than one field. Normalisation is what is used to design the RDBMS to split the data up into related tables and then this helps to create relationships between them which enables them to communicate with each other. The main purpose is that it helps reduce the redundancy as it integrates the
More than likely the data is spread across several physical files. However, the database sees the data as being located in a single data repository. By organizing information in a single logical repository, it allows for easy handling and querying of the data. Traditional file systems required the programmer to specify when and how the data was to be retrieved (McCaldin, 2015, p. 1).
Databases are normally used by businesses and schools to store their data. These databases are kept secure, and users can only access the information stored on the database they have been granted access to. Now data is added to, accessed, or remove from a database using languages such as SQL (Structured Query Language), MYSQL (My Sequel), etc.
Next to the type of information provided from a properly designed and built data system, the integrity of the data supporting that information is the most critical result. Data integrity speaks to the comprehensive accuracy, and consistency of the data, with the foundational aspect being its reliability. In business this is crucial, as key decisions are made daily, by all levels of management, based on database system outputs.
Databases allow us to easily store and retrieve data in a purely digital format. The strength of this is that large amounts of data can be stored and retrieved with minimal effort on the part of the user. Opposed to manually flipping through files, one can quickly pull up the requested data through a computer program. Many systems that were conventionally paper and file based have been converted to a digital format which are now stored in one or more databases.
Data is the most important thing owned by the organization and it is the main target and objective of deliberate attacks. Database management systems are the best way to protect the data and applications from an outsider attack if they develop and implement it properly.