Database: A database is an organized collection of data, typically stored
electronically in a computer system that can be easily accessed, managed, modified,
updated, controlled, and organized.
A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that enables users to define,
create, maintain, and control access to a database. It acts as an intermediary between
users and the database, providing functionalities like data storage, retrieval, update,
and security management. Essentially, a DBMS organizes and manages data,
making it accessible and usable for various applications.
Examples of DBMS:
MySQL: A popular open-source RDBMS.
Oracle Database: A commercial RDBMS known for its scalability and
features.
Microsoft SQL Server: A Microsoft-developed RDBMS.
PostgreSQL: Another open-source RDBMS known for its advanced features
and compliance.
MongoDB: A popular NoSQL database.
Benefits of using a DBMS:
Reduced Data Redundancy: Eliminates duplication of data, saving storage
space and improving data consistency.
Improved Data Integrity: Enforces rules and constraints to ensure data
accuracy and reliability.
Enhanced Security: Protects sensitive data from unauthorized access and
modification.
Increased Efficiency: Streamlines data management tasks, saving time and
resources.
Scalability: Allows for handling large volumes of data and growing user
demands.
Better Data Sharing: Facilitates access to data for multiple users and
applications.
Disadvantages:
High Costs:
Initial Investment: DBMS implementation requires substantial hardware and
software costs.
Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance, including updates, licensing, and
personnel costs, can be significant.
Skilled Personnel: Managing a DBMS requires specialized expertise, leading
to higher staffing costs.
2. Complexity:
Implementation:
Designing, developing, and managing a DBMS can be complex and require
specialized knowledge.
Maintenance:
Keeping the system current with updates and security patches can be challenging
and time-consuming.
3. Performance Issues:
4. Security Risks:
Data Models:
In order to define the connections, organization, and structure of data in a database
management system (DBMS), data models are essential. The effectiveness of a
database's ability to store, retrieve, and alter data is greatly influenced by the choice
of data model. The Hierarchical, Network, and Relational models are some of the
oldest types of data models; each has special traits and applications. It is crucial to
comprehend how these models vary in order to choose the right one for a given set
of circumstances.
What is a Hierarchical Data Model?
The hierarchical data model is the oldest type of the data model. It was developed
by IBM in 1968. It organizes data in a tree-like structure. Hierarchical model consists
of the following :
It contains nodes which are connected by branches.
The topmost node is called the root node.
If there are multiple nodes appear at the top level, then these can be called root
segments.
Each node has exactly one parent.
One parent may have many children.
In the above figure, Electronics is the root node which has two children i.e.
Televisions and Portable Electronics. These two has further children for which they
act as parent. For example: Television has children as Tube, LCD and Plasma, for
these three Television act as parent. It follows one to many relationship.
Advantages of the Hierarchical Data Model
Because of its tree form, it is easy to grasp.
Retrieving data in a one-to-many connection is efficient.
Disadvantages of the Hierarchical Data Model
Inflexibility in reorganizing data.
accessing complicated data structures may be challenging.
redundant data storage, which might cause anomalies and inconsistencies.
What is a Network Data Model?
It is the advance version of the hierarchical data model. To organize data it uses
directed graphs instead of the tree-structure. In this child can have more than one
parent. It uses the concept of the two data structures i.e. Records and Sets.
In the above figure, Project is the root node which has two children i.e. Project 1 and
Project 2. Project 1 has 3 children and Project 2 has 2 children. Total there are 5
children i.e Department A, Department B and Department C, they are network
related children as we said that this model can have more than one parent. So, for
the Department B and Department C have two parents i.e. Project 1 and Project 2.
Advantages of the Network Data Model
Because of its numerous parent ties, it is more adaptable than the hierarchical
approach.
Ideal for managing intricate, many-to-many connections.
Disadvantages of the Network Data Model
Increased complexity in database design and management.
requires complex programming in order to manage and work with data.
What is a Relational Data Model?
The relational data model was developed by E.F. Codd in 1970. There are no
physical links as they are in the hierarchical data model. Following are the properties
of the relational data model :
Data is represented in the form of table only.
It deals only with the data not with the physical structure.
It provides information regarding metadata.
At the intersection of row and column there will be only one value for the
tuple.
It provides a way to handle the queries with ease.
Advantages of the Relational Data Model
High data independence and flexibility.
offers robust and user-friendly querying features.
removes duplication by use of normalization.
Disadvantages of the Relational Data Model
For certain kinds of straightforward data retrieval tasks, they may not perform
as well as hierarchical models.
demands a deeper comprehension of SQL and normalization principles
