Database Concepts Overview
1. **Data**:
Data refers to raw facts and figures without context. It can be anything that is recorded, collected,
or stored, such as numbers, names, dates, or measurements.
2. **Database**:
A database is an organized collection of data that is stored and accessed electronically. It
provides a way to manage and retrieve data efficiently.
3. **DBMS (Database Management System)**:
A DBMS is software that provides an interface for users and applications to interact with a
database. It handles tasks like storing, updating, and retrieving data.
4. **Advantages of DBMS**:
- Data Redundancy Control: Avoids data duplication.
- Data Integrity: Ensures accuracy and consistency.
- Data Security: Restricts unauthorized access.
- Multiple User Support: Allows many users to access data simultaneously.
- Data Independence: Applications are independent of data storage.
5. **Disadvantages of DBMS**:
- High Cost: DBMS software and hardware can be expensive.
- Complexity: Setup and management of DBMS can be complex.
- Performance: Can be slower due to overhead in handling concurrent access.
- High Maintenance: Requires regular updates and backups.
6. **DDL (Data Definition Language)**:
DDL is used to define and manage the structure of the database objects, such as tables,
schemas, and indices. Common DDL commands include `CREATE`, `ALTER`, `DROP`.
7. **Two-Tier DBMS Architecture**:
In a two-tier architecture, the client communicates directly with the server, and the server stores
and manages the database.
8. **Data Model**:
A data model is a conceptual framework that defines the structure, organization, and relationships
of data in a database. Examples include:
- **Hierarchical Data Model**: Data is organized in a tree-like structure.
- **Network Data Model**: Data is organized in a graph structure with many-to-many relationships.
- **Relational Data Model**: Data is organized in tables with rows and columns, using keys to
define relationships.
9. **Domain**:
A domain refers to the set of permissible values that an attribute in a table can take. It defines the
valid range or set for the data stored in the column.
