Page 17 - ModularV1.1 _c8_flipbook
P. 17
02 DATABASE
MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
Your Aim
to learn about:
l Concept of a Database l Advantages of a Database System
l Types of Databases l Structure of a Database
Data is a collection of characters and symbols that has no meaning. It is also called raw data. This
data can be converted into meaningful information after analysing and processing. For example,
the data "David VIII is student a class of" has no meaning. But, if we write it as "David is a
student of class VIII", it makes sense. In computer, data can be stored in a structured way with
the help of database.
Earlier, paper-based system was used to store data. But this system had various drawbacks such
as prone to damage, difficult to edit, data repetition and difficult to manage. Retrieving data from
file-based systems was a very tedious and time-consuming task. To overcome the problems of
file-based system, computerised database system was introduced in 1960s.
CONCEPT OF A DATABASE
A database can be defined as a collection of data in an organised manner that can be easily
accessed, managed and updated. It helps to store and retrieve a large amount of data efficiently.
The concept of database is one of the oldest ways to maintain records in a conventional
file-oriented data collection systems. One of the best examples of a database is the attendance
register of your class in which your teacher maintains attendance record of every month. Another
example of a database is the train reservation system in which all the information about trains
and passengers is stored.
Computerised data collection and manipulation systems have replaced the conventional record
keeping systems by using application programs. The various components of the computerised
database system have a logical relationship that helps in accessing data easily.
A collection of programs required to store and retrieve data from a database is called Database
Management System (DBMS).
Database Management System 15

