Database Concepts and
Architecture
Week 2
Week 2: Database Systems Concepts and
Architecture
Intended Learning Outcome(s):
1. Identify key concepts in database system
2. Enumerate Data Models
3. Explain Schemas
4. Three-Schema Architecture
Quiz 1: In less than 5 sentences, explain the
diagram below.
Database System Concepts and Architecture
▪ Database System Concepts and Architecture is a branch of computer science
that deals with the design, implementation, and management of database
systems.
▪ The goal of database system concepts and architecture is to design and
implement database systems that are efficient, reliable, and secure.
• In a database system, there are three key concepts related to the
organization and structure of data: data models, schemas, and instances
(Silberschatz et al., 2011)
1. Data Models
❖A data model is a conceptual representation of how data is
organized, stored, and accessed within a database system.
❖It defines the structure, constraints, and relationships of the
data.
Data Models
1. Relational Model
2. Hierarchical Model
3. Network Model
4. Object-oriented Model
5. Entity – Relationship Model
2. Schemas
➢A schema is a logical description or blueprint of a database
system.
➢It defines the structure, organization, and constraints of the
database.
➢A schema specifies the tables, their columns, data types,
relationships, and any other rules governing the data.
2. Schemas
a. Physical Schema
- The physical schema defines how data is physically stored on a storage medium, such
as disk or memory. It includes details like file organization, indexing, and data
partitioning.
b. Logical Schema
- The logical schema defines the logical organization of the database, including tables,
columns, relationships, and constraints. It is independent of the physical storage
details.
c. Conceptual Schema
- The conceptual schema provides an abstract, high-level view of the entire database. It
focuses on the overall structure and organization of data without delving into
implementation details
3. Instance
❑An instance refers to the actual data stored in a
database at a specific point in time.
❑It represents a snapshot of the data contained in the
database system.
❑Example:
In a relational database with tables for employees, departments,
and projects, an instance of that database would contain the
specific data for each employee, department, and project at a
particular moment.
3. Instances
❑Instances are dynamic and can
change over time as data is
inserted, updated, or deleted.
❑They are governed by the data
model and schema defined for the
database system.
Sample Schema Diagram for the Database
The Three-Schema Architecture