What is a Database Management System (DBMS)?
A DBMS is software that allows users to store, manage and retrieve data efficiently.
What is the difference between a DBMS and a relational database?
A relational database stores structured data in tables, while a DBMS is software that manages databases (relational or non-relational).
What is a relational database?
A relational database is one type of DBMS.
What is a file-based system?
A file-based system is a system that stores data in individual files without a structured database.
What limitations of file-based systems does a DBMS solve?
A DBMS addresses data redundancy, data inconsistency, and data dependency.
How is data redundancy fixed in a DBMS?
Data redundancy is fixed because data is stored in linked tables (relations) with foreign keys to minimize duplication.
What key feature is used to solve data redundancy?
Normalization and data dictionary are key features used to solve data redundancy.
How is data inconsistency fixed in a DBMS?
Data inconsistency is fixed because data is stored once, and all applications access the same updated version.
What key feature is used to solve data inconsistency?
Centralized storage and data integrity checks are key features used to solve data inconsistency.
How is data dependency fixed in a DBMS?
Data dependency is fixed because logical schemas separate data structure from applications, so changes don’t break systems.
What key feature is used to solve data dependency?
Data independence and data modeling like ER diagrams are key features used to solve data dependency.
What are key features of a DBMS?
Key features include Data Management & Data Dictionary, Data Modelling, Logical Schema, Data Integrity, Data Security and Access Control.
What is a data dictionary?
A data dictionary is a key component of a DBMS that stores metadata (data about data, like table names or data types).
Why are data dictionaries important?
Data dictionaries ensure uniform structure, prevent errors, and optimize performance.
What does data modeling help with?
Data modeling helps design a database logically before implementation, using ER diagrams and normalization.
What is a logical schema?
A logical schema is a blueprint of the database structure.
What does data integrity ensure?
Data integrity ensures data is accurate, consistent, and reliable.
What are examples of types of data integrity?
Examples include entity integrity (primary keys must be unique and not null) and domain integrity (data types must be correct).
What security features does a DBMS provide to protect data?
Security features include Access Rights, Backup Procedures, Encryption, and Audit Logs.
What are backup procedures in a DBMS?
Backup procedures are automatic backups that prevent data loss.
What are audit logs?
Audit logs record who accessed or changed data.
What are two key tools that help manage databases?
Two key tools are the Developer interface and the Query Processor.
What is a developer interface?
A developer interface allows writing SQL queries, used for creating tables, inserting data, and complex queries (JOIN, GROUP BY).
What is a query processor?
A query processor interprets and executes SQL commands, made up of DDL interpreters and DML compilers.
