Oracle

Chapter 1. Introduction to DBMS

Approach to Data Management

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce you the two basic approaches of data
management performed in computers.

The problems that occur from using the file-based approach has enlightened the
development of a new and innovative approach to manage humungous amount of
information related to an organization is treated as database approach.

The key terms of a database management system are listed below:

1. Data: Data is collection of raw facts and figures. It is collected from various
sources for different purposes. It may consist of numbers, characters, symbols,
pictures, etc.,
2. Information: The processed data is called as information. It is an organized and
processed form of data. It is much more meaningful than data and is used for
decision making.
3. Metadata: Metadata provides information that describes the schema and other
information related to the stored data in the database, including storage,
programs, data elements, usage, and additional related information.
4. Data dictionary: A data dictionary can be treated as a collection of names,
definition and attributes for data elements and models. The data dictionary types
are classified as active and passive.

Introduction to prerequisites

Prior to understanding about the traditional filesystem approach, it is highly suggested

to understand the basic to advanced level concepts related to Database Management
System.

Some prerequisites related to computer terminology are as follows:

1. Primary memory: Primary memory (main memory or internal memory) is directly

accessible by the processor using data bus. It allows the processor to access
programs that are under execution and currently processed data. Examples of
primary memory are RAM and ROM.
2. Secondary memory: Secondary memory (secondary storage) is accessed indirectly
through input/output operations. It is also treated as permanent, persistent, stable
or external memory. Secondary memory is accessible late when compared with
primary memory. Examples of secondary memory are HDD, USB storage devices,
etc.,
3. Data structure: A data structure can be defined as a specialized means of
organizing and storing data in computers in such a manner that we can do
operations on the stored data in a more efficient manner. It is being implemented
 in almost every program or software system that is developed. Array is an
example of data structure.
4. Algorithm: An algorithm is a set of step-by-step procedure or a set of rules to
follow for solving a particular problem or for completing a specific task. A
computer program is basically an algorithm written in particular syntax,
depending on the programming language being used.

File and Filesystem

A normal file can be considered as a set of records stored in binary format.

Filesystem approach is one way to keep information in permanent files by using

application programs. A company software (for example, railway reservation system) has
a number of application programs. Each program is designed to manipulate data files.
These application programs are developed based on the requests of the users in the
organization. When need arises, new programs are added to the software. This system is
called as file-based approach. But it is very less elegant and costly approach to data
management.

Disadvantages of using file

Following are the demerits of using file-based approach:

 Data redundancy

The same information might be kept in multiple files. Also, it yields to

inconsistency in data format.

 Data isolation

It is difficult for new applications to retrieve the appropriate data, which might be
stored in various files.

 Integrity problems

Data values must satisfy certain consistency constraints that are specified in the
application programs.

 Security problems

There are constraints regarding accessing privileges and also to enforce constraints.

 Concurrency access

It is the ability of the database to allow multiple users access to the same record
without adversely affecting transaction processing.

Review of Database Management Terminology

The database management system uses certain terms to describe its components.
  Database management: It is a software package that is designed to define,
manipulate, retrieve and manage data in a database. The type of database
management are treated as database models.
 Database: A database is termed as a collection of tables (also called as entities).
 Table: A table is made up of related records (tuples or horizontal rows). The main
criteria to be followed that each record should be unique within the table.
 Fields: Each record is a combination of fields (attributes or vertical rows). A
record is considered as a single fact (like a vendor or purchase).

Database Models

Database models helps the users to identify the logical structure of a database and
basically determines the technique in which data can be stored, organized and
manipulated.

The three main types of database models in database are as follows:

o Hierarchical Model
Hierarchical model is the oldest model. In this model, data is organized in a tree
with nodes representing records and branches representing fields. The data is
represented or stored in root node, parent node and child node.
o Network Model

Network model resembles similar to hierarchical model, but it is a flexible way of

representing objects and their relationships by granting data to have more than
one parent node. It looks like more like a graph.

o Relational Model

Relational model allows data to be classified in row and column structure. It

maintains data in two-dimensional tables and the relationship will be maintained
by storing in a common field.

The various systems used to maintain relational databases are treated as a

relational database management system (RDBMS).

How to download and install Oracle step-by-step

Step 1. The download of Oracle 19c software (enterprise edition) requires an

Oracle account. Oracle account can be created absolutely for free.

Step 2. In order to download the Oracle 19c software for any operating system
(for example, Windows 10), visit the following link:

https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/database/enterprise-edition/
downloads/index.html

Step 3. Click on the following link (ZIP) shown in the diagram to download the zip
file onto your system:
 The recent stable version of Oracle 19c version is 19.3. The zip file contains the
software for Oracle 19c installation.

Step 4. Create a new folder (For example, Oracle_DB) in a drive (For example, C)
on your system. Now extract the zip file contents onto this new folder.

Step 5. Double click on the setup file to start the installation. Now the Oracle
installation popup window will open.

Note: User needs to login with administrative permission only for doing the
installation.

i. On the first step from Installer window, choose the “Create and configure
a single instance database” radio button and click on Next button to
continue.
ii. Now choose “Desktop class” and hit on Next button.
iii. At this point, user need to configure the user account. There are many
options available. User can choose to create a new Virtual account, use an
already existing user account or create a new account. Here, I will choose
“Create New Windows User” checkbox and provide User Name as oracle
and set desired password.
iv. Now, user need to configure the database. Choose the appropriate entry
from Oracle base dropdown list.
v. Note: When user changes the Oracle base value, the database file location
is automatically adjusted. Later set “Database edition” as Enterprise Edition
from the dropdown list. Create a password and later confirm it. Hit on
Next button.
vi. Now the Installer will check your system. After a few moments, user will
see the installation summary.
vii. Click on Install button to begin the installation process.
viii. Installer will take some time to do the installation process.

Step 6. After the installation is complete, user can access the Oracle Enterprise Manager
Database Express edition using the following link:

https://localhost:5500/em

The login details are as follows:

Username: sys

Password: <password>

Container Name: <blank>

Click on “Log in” button to open Oracle database.