DBMS Introduction

A database-management system (DBMS) is a collection of interrelated data and a set of programs to access those data.

This is a collection of related data with an implicit meaning and hence is a database.

The collection of data, usually referred to as the database, contains information relevant to an enterprise.

The primary goal of a DBMS is to provide a way to store and retrieve database information that is both convenient and efficient.

By data, we mean known facts that can be recorded and that have implicit meaning.

Database systems are designed to manage large bodies of information. Management of data involves both defining structures for storage of information and providing mechanisms for the manipulation of information. In addition, the database system must ensure the safety of the information stored, despite system crashes or attempts at unauthorized access. If data are to be shared among several users, the system must avoid possible anomalous results.

Examples

Consider the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of the people you know. You may have recorded this data in an indexed address book, or you may have stored it on a diskette, using a personal computer and software such as DBASE IV or V, Microsoft ACCESS, or EXCEL.

DBMS Applications

Telecom: There is a database to keeps track of the information regarding calls made, network usage, customer details etc. Without the database systems it is hard to maintain that huge amount of data that keeps updating every millisecond.

Industry: Where it is a manufacturing unit, warehouse or distribution centre, each one needs a database to keep the records of ins and outs. For example distribution centre should keep a track of the product units that supplied into the centre as well as the products that got delivered out from the distribution centre on each day; this is where DBMS comes into picture.

Banking System: For storing customer info, tracking day to day credit and debit transactions, generating bank statements etc. All this work has been done with the help of Database management systems.

Sales: To store customer information, production information and invoice details.

Airlines: To travel though airlines, we make early reservations, this reservation information along with flight schedule is stored in database.

Education sector: Database systems are frequently used in schools and colleges to store and retrieve the data regarding student details, staff details, course details, exam details, payroll data, attendance details, fees details etc. There is a hell lot amount of inter-related data that needs to be stored and retrieved in an efficient manner.

Online shopping: You must be aware of the online shopping websites such as Amazon, Flipkart etc. These sites store the product information, your addresses and preferences, credit details and provide you the relevant list of products based on your query. All this involves a Database management system.