Database Systems

Lecture # 1 &2
Chapter # 1
Databases and Database Users

Chapter 1 1
 Book

Fundamentals of DATABASE SYSTEMS

5th Edition
by
Ramez Elmasri,
Shamkant B. Navathe

Chapter 1 2
Why this text is selected?
Covers principles from other courses, such as
 System Analysis and Design

 Networking

 Website Design and Development

 MIS Principles

 Computer Programming

Chapter 1 3
Course Objectives
 Introduction to very basics
 Guides through different design stages
 Familiarize with tools
 Emphasis on design stages of database

Chapter 1 4
Lecture Objectives
 Some common uses of database systems.
 Characteristics of file-based systems.
 Problems with file-based approach.
 Meaning of the term database.
 Meaning of the term Database Management System
(DBMS).

Chapter 1
Lecture Objectives
 Typical functions of a DBMS.
 Major components of the DBMS environment.
 Personnel involved in the DBMS environment.
 History of the development of DBMSs.
 Advantages and disadvantages of DBMSs.

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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

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Definitions of Database
 Def 1: Database is an organized collection of
logically related data
 Def 2: A database is a shared collection of logically
related data that is stored to meet the requirements of
different users of an organization
 Def 3: A database is a self-describing collection of
integrated records
 Def 4: A database models a particular real world
system in the computer in the form of data

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Definitions
 Data: stored representations of meaningful objects and
events or
 Referred to facts concerning objects and events that
could be recorded and stored on computer media
 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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 What is a 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.

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 Figure 1-1a Data in Context

Context helps users understand data

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 Graphical displays turn data into useful information
that managers can use for decision making and
interpretation
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 Descriptions of the properties or characteristics of the data,
including data types, field sizes, allowable values, and data
context

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The concept of a shared organizational
database
Management Marketing

Product
Planning Control Sales
Development

Corporate
Database

Accounting Manufacturing

Accounts Accounts
Scheduling Production
Receivable Payable
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A bit of History
 Computer initially used for computational/ engineering
purposes
 Commercial applications introduced File Processing
System

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 File Processing System
 A collection of application programs that perform
services for the end-users such as production of
reports
 Each program defines and manages its own data

Chapter 1 16
File Processing Systems
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Applications Applications Applications

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Data Data Data
Files Files Files

Chapter 1 Program and Data Interdependence 17

 File Processing Systems

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Files Based Processing

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Disadvantages of File Processing
 Program-Data Dependence
 File structure is defined in the program code.
 All programs maintain metadata for each file they use
 Duplication of Data (Data Redundancy)
 Different systems/programs have separate copies of the same data
 Same data is held by different programs.
 Wasted space and potentially different values and/or different formats for
the same item.
 Limited Data Sharing
 No centralized control of data
 Programs are written in different languages, and so cannot easily access
each other’s files.

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Disadvantages of File Processing
 Lengthy Development Times
 Programmers must design their own file formats
 Excessive Program Maintenance
 80% of of information systems budget
 Vulnerable to Inconsistency
 Change in one table need changes in corresponding tables as well
otherwise data will be inconsistent

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 Problems with Data Dependency
 Each application programmer must maintain their
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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Problems with Data Redundancy
 Waste of space to have duplicate data
 Causes more maintenance headaches
 The biggest problem:
 When data changes in one file, could cause

inconsistencies (Vulnerable to Inconsistency)

 Compromises data integrity (data reliability)

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SOLUTION:
The DATABASE Approach
 Central repository of shared data
 Data is managed by a controlling agent
 Stored in a standardized, convenient form

This requires a
Database and Database Management System (DBMS)

Chapter 1
 Advantages of Database Approach
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Applications Applications Applications

Database
Management
System

- Data Sharing - Data Independence

- Controlled Redundancy University - Better Data Integrity
Students
Database
Chapter 1 25
Database Management System
 A software system that is used to create, maintain,
and provide controlled access to users of a database
 (Database) application program: A computer program
that interacts with database by issuing an appropriate
request (SQL statement) to the DBMS

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Database Management System

DBMS manages data resources like an operating system manages hardware resources

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