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Database Engineering

This document provides an introduction to database engineering. It discusses the growth and importance of databases, limitations of conventional file processing systems, key definitions related to databases, and advantages of databases over traditional file processing. Specifically, it outlines disadvantages of file processing like program-data dependence, data duplication, limited sharing, long development times, and excessive maintenance.

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Sidra Raheel
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
155 views

Database Engineering

This document provides an introduction to database engineering. It discusses the growth and importance of databases, limitations of conventional file processing systems, key definitions related to databases, and advantages of databases over traditional file processing. Specifically, it outlines disadvantages of file processing like program-data dependence, data duplication, limited sharing, long development times, and excessive maintenance.

Uploaded by

Sidra Raheel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 16

DATABASE ENGINEERING

INTRODUCTION

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Chapter 1
DATABASE ENGINEERING
EC-316
• Credits 4(3,1)
• Text Book: Modern Database Management, by
Hoffer, Prescott, MsFadden, 2008, Latest Edition
• Grading Criteria:
– Sessional 60%
• Assignments: 8%
• Quizzes: 10%
• Sessional 1: 20%
• Sessional 2: 20%
• Project: 8%
• Practical 34%
– Final 40%

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Chapter 1
The Database Environment

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Chapter 1
Topics

• Growth and importance of databases


• Limitations of conventional file processing

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Chapter 1
Definitions

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Chapter 1
Database (Definition)
In the broadest sense, a database is anything that stores
data. A phone book, for instance, could be considered a
database as it stores related pieces of information such as
name and phone number. However, in the world of
computers, a database usually refers to a collection of
related pieces of information stored electronically. Aside
from the ability to store data, a database also provides a
way for other computer programs to quickly retrieve and
update desired pieces of data.

Reference:
http://www.mariosalexandrou.com/definition/database.asp

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Chapter 1
Database (Definition)
A database is an application that manages
data and allows fast storage and retrieval
of that data.

Reference
http://cplus.about.com/od/glossar1/g/databasedefn.htm

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Chapter 1
Database (Definition)
A database is a collection
of information that is organized so that it
can easily be accessed, managed, and
updated.

Reference:
http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid87
_gci211895,00.html

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Chapter 1
Definitions (By Hoffer)
• Database (Concluded): organized collection of
logically related data
• Data: stored representations of meaningful
objects and events
– Structured: numbers, text, dates
– Unstructured: images, video, documents
• Information: data processed to increase
knowledge in the person using the data
• Metadata: data that describes the properties and
context of user data
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Chapter 1
Figure 1-1a Data in context

Context helps users understand data


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Chapter 1
Figure 1-1b Summarized data

Graphical displays turn data into useful


information that managers can use for
decision making and interpretation
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Chapter 1
Descriptions of the properties or characteristics of the
data, including data types, field sizes, allowable
values, and data context
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Chapter 1
Disadvantages of File Processing
• Program-Data Dependence
– All programs maintain metadata for each file they use
• Duplication of Data
– Different systems/programs have separate copies of the same data
• 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

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Chapter 1
Problems with Data Dependency
• Each application programmer must maintain
his/her own data
• Each application program needs to include
code for the metadata of each file
• Each application program must have its own
processing routines for reading, inserting,
updating, and deleting data
• Lack of coordination and central control
• Non-standard file formats

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Chapter 1
Figure 1-3 Old file processing systems at Pine Valley
Furniture Company
Duplicate Data

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Chapter 1
Problems with Data
Redundancy

• Waste of space to have duplicate data


• Causes more maintenance headaches
• The biggest problem:
– Data changes in one file could cause
inconsistencies
– Compromises in data integrity

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Chapter 1

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