Chapter 1

Introduction to Databases
 Chapter 1 - Objectives
 What is Data, Database and DBMS
 File-Based systems.
 Problems with file-based approach.
 Meaning of the term Database Management System
(DBMS).
 Chapter 1 - Objectives
 Typical functions of a DBMS.
 Major components of the DBMS environment.
 Personnel involved in the DBMS environment.
 Advantages and disadvantages of DBMSs
 History of the development of DBMSs.
 Introduction

 What is data…?
 What is database…?
 What is database management system?
 What is Data

 In simple words data can be facts related to any object in

consideration.
 For example your name, age, height, weight, etc are some
data related to you. 
 A picture , image , file , pdf etc can also be considered data. 
 What is a Database?

 Database is a systematic collection of data. Databases

support storage and  manipulation of data. Databases make
data management easy.
 For example, An online telephone directory would definitely
use database to store data pertaining to people, phone
numbers, other contact details, etc. 
 What is a Database Management System
(DBMS)?

 Database Management System (DBMS) is a collection of

programs which enables its users to access database,
manipulate data, reporting / representation of  data . 
 It also helps to control access to the  database.
 Database Management Systems are not a new concept and
as such had been first implemented in 1960s.
 What is Database Application

 Database applications are software programs designed to

collect, manage and disseminate information efficiently.
 Many home and small business owners create simple
databases such as customer contact and mailing lists with
easy to use software such as Microsoft "Access" and
"FileMaker Pro.”
 "Oracle," "SQL Server," and "FoxPro" are examples of
advanced database applications with programming languages
that can be used to build custom business solutions in
networked environments.
 Purpose

 Database applications are used to search, sort, calculate,

report and share information. Databases can also contain
code to perform mathematical and statistical calculations on
the data to support queries submitted by users.
 Database applications provide security by restricting access
to data based upon user names and passwords.
 Most database applications are customized with a database
programming language to automate specific types of work.
 Accounting Applications
 An accounting system is a custom database application used to
manage financial data. Custom forms are used to record assets,
liabilities, inventory and the transactions between customers and
suppliers.
 The income statements, balance sheets, purchase orders and
invoices generated are custom reports based upon information that
is entered into the database.
 Accounting applications can run on a single computer suitable for a
small business or in a networked shared environment to
accommodate the needs of multiple departments and locations in
larger organizations. "Microsoft Money," "Quicken," "QuickBooks"
and "Peachtree" are accounting systems built upon database
applications.
 CRM Applications

 A customer relationship management system (CRM) is another

example of a database application that has been customized to
manage the marketing, sales, and support relationships between a
business and it's customers.
 The ultimate goal is to maximize sales, minimize costs and foster
strategic customer relationships. Simple contact management
programs such as "ACT," or the task manager in Microsoft's
"Outlook" can be customized to suit the needs of individuals and
small businesses.
 "SAP," "Salesforce.com," and Oracle's "Siebel" are robust CRM
database applications suitable for larger enterprises.
 Web Applications
 Many contemporary web sites are built using several database
applications simultaneously as core components.
 Most retail store Web sites including "Bestbuy.com," and "
Amazon.com" use database systems to store, update and present
data about products for sale.
 These Web sites also combine an accounting database system to
record sales transactions and a CRM database application to
incorporate feedback and drive a positive customer experience.
 The popular Web-based "Facebook" application is essentially a
database built upon the "MySQL" database system and is an
indication of the increasing usage of database applications as
foundations for Web-based applications.
Examples of Database Applications
 Purchases from the supermarket
 Purchases using your credit card
 Booking a holiday at the travel agents
 Using the local library
 Taking out insurance
 Renting a video
 Using the Internet
 Studying at university
 File-Based Systems
 Collection of application programs that perform services
for the end users (e.g. reports).

 Each program defines and manages its own data.

File-Based Processing
Limitations of File-Based Approach
 Separation and isolation of data
 Each program maintains its own set of data.
 Users of one program may be unaware of
potentially useful data held by other programs.

 Duplication of data
 Same data is held by different programs.
 Wasted space and potentially different values
and/or different formats for the same item.
Limitations of File-Based Approach
 Data dependence
 File structure is defined in the program code.

 Incompatible file formats

 Programs are written in different languages, and so
cannot easily access each other’s files.

 Fixed Queries/Proliferation of application programs

 Programs are written to satisfy particular functions.
 Any new requirement needs a new program.
 Database Approach
 Arose because:
 Definition of data was embedded in application
programs, rather than being stored separately and
independently.
 No control over access and manipulation of data
beyond that imposed by application programs.

 Result:
 the database and Database Management System
(DBMS).
 Database
 Shared collection of logically related data (and a
description of this data), designed to meet the
information needs of an organization.

 System catalog (metadata) provides description of data

to enable program–data independence.

 Logically related data comprises entities, attributes,

and relationships of an organization’s information.
 Database Management System
(DBMS)
 A software system that enables users to define, create,
maintain, and control access to the database.
 What are the types of database software?

 Database software is generally classified into six subtypes:

 analytical database software,
 data warehouse database software,
 distributed database software,
 end user database software,
 external database software, and
 operational database software.
 Analytical database software 
 allows the user to pull data from a variety of databases and
examine them for the purpose of quantitatively assessing
performance (business, departmental, employee, etc.).
 Data warehouse software 
 allows the user to pull key data from a variety of databases and
store it in a central location for the purpose of deriving critical
insights and reporting those insights. Data warehousing helps to
ensure data integrity by readily identifying inconsistencies.
 Distributed database software 
 involves a centralized database management system that
controls information stored in a variety of locations (including
the cloud, a company LAN or a network server). The distributed
model is often considered the safest because of its natural data
redundancy.
 End user database software 
 stores information that is used primarily by one person
(Microsoft Excel and its spreadsheets are an example).
  
 External database software 
 compiles information that must be accessed by a variety of users,
often via the Internet.
 Operational database software 
 allows the user to modify data in real-time (for purposes such as
financial and customer relationship management).
 Database Approach
 Data definition language (DDL).
 Permits specification of data types, structures and
any data constraints.
 All specifications are stored in the database.

 Data manipulation language (DML).

 General enquiry facility (query language) of the data.
 Database Approach
 Controlled access to database may
include:
 a security system
 an integrity system
 a concurrency control system
 a recovery control system
 a user-accessible catalog.
 Database Management System
(DBMS)
 (Database) application program: a computer program
that interacts with database by issuing an appropriate
request (SQL statement) to the DBMS.
Database Management System
(DBMS)
 Views
 Allows each user to have his or her own view of the
database.

 A view is essentially some subset of the database.

 Views - Benefits
 Reduce complexity
 Provide a level of security
 Provide a mechanism to customize the appearance of
the database
 Present a consistent, unchanging picture of the
structure of the database, even if the underlying
database is changed
Components of DBMS Environment
Components of DBMS Environment
 Hardware
 Can range from a PC to a network of computers.
 Software
 DBMS, operating system, network software (if
necessary) and also the application programs.
 Data
 Used by the organization and a description of this data
called the schema.
Components of DBMS Environment
 Procedures
 Instructions and rules that should be applied to
the design and use of the database and DBMS.
 People
Roles in the Database Environment
 Data Administrator (DA)
 Database Administrator (DBA)
 Database Designers (Logical and Physical)
 Application Programmers
 End Users (naive and sophisticated)
 Advantages of DBMSs
 Control of data redundancy
 Data consistency
 More information from the same amount of data
 Sharing of data
 Improved data integrity
 Improved security
 Enforcement of standards
 Economy of scale
 Advantages of DBMSs
 Balance conflicting requirements
 Improved data accessibility and responsiveness
 Increased productivity
 Improved maintenance through data independence
 Increased concurrency
 Improved backup and recovery services
 Disadvantages of DBMSs
 Complexity
 Size
 Cost of DBMS
 Additional hardware costs
 Cost of conversion
 Performance
 Higher impact of a failure
 History of Database Systems
 First-generation
 Hierarchical and Network

 Second generation
 Relational

 Third generation
 Object-Relational
 Object-Oriented
 Thank You
Junaidah Mohamed Kassim
junaidah@ukm.edu.my