DB & DBMS Concepts

Lecture 1 · the foundations. What a database and a DBMS actually are, why they matter, and where they're used.

Database (DB)

A database is an organized collection of logically related data, designed to meet the information needs of multiple users in an organization.
PISMThe 4 characteristics:Persistent (data outlives the program) · Integrated (related data stored together) · Shared (many users & apps) · Managed (controlled by DBMS software).

Database Management System (DBMS)

DBMS = software that enables users to define, create, maintain and control access to the database.

DBMS responsibilities

  • Data definition — structure & constraints
  • Data manipulation — querying & updates
  • Data security — access control & authorization
  • Data integrity — constraint enforcement
  • Concurrency control — multi-user access
  • Backup & recovery — data protection

Popular DBMS — examples to memorize

TypeExamples
RelationalOracle · MySQL · PostgreSQL · SQL Server
NoSQLMongoDB · Cassandra · Redis
CloudAmazon RDS · Google Cloud SQL · Azure SQL

Where DBMS is used

AreaUse
BankingAccounts, customers, secure transactions
EducationStudents, courses, faculty, results
HealthcareDoctor & patient data
E-CommerceOrders, inventory, recommendations
Social MediaUser-generated content
Human ResourcesEmployee records, salaries, tax