Chapter Objectives
In this chapter, you will learn to:
• understand the differences between the file versus database approach to data management;
• discern the key elements of a database system;
• identify the advantages of database systems and database management.
Opening Scenario
Since Sober is a startup company, it must carefully decide how it will manage all its data. The company is thinking about storing all its data in Word documents, Excel files, and maybe some other files (e.g., Notepad) as well.
In this chapter, we discuss the fundamental concepts of database management. Many ideas presented here are elaborated in later chapters. We kick off by reviewing popular applications of database technology, and follow this by defining key concepts such as a database and a database management system, or DBMS. Next, we step back in time and discuss the file-based approach and contrast it with the database approach to data management. We then zoom into the elements of a database system. We conclude by discussing the advantages of database design.
Applications of Database Technology
Data are everywhere and come in different shapes and volumes. These data need to be stored and managed using appropriate data management or database technologies. Think about the storage and retrieval of traditional numeric and alphanumeric data in an application developed to keep track of the number of products in stock. For each product, the product number, product name, and available quantity needs to be stored. Replenishment orders need to be issued as soon as the quantity drops below the safety limit. Every replenishment order has an order number, order date, supplier number, supplier name, and a set of product numbers, names, and quantities.
Database technology is not just for traditional numeric and alphanumeric data. It can also store multimedia data such as pictures, audio, or video – YouTube and Spotify support the querying of music based upon artist, album, genre, playlist, or record label. Biometric data, including fingerprints and retina scans, are often used for security, such as border control as you enter a country. Information is also gathered by wearables, such as a Fitbit or an Apple Watch, which continuously monitor and analyze your health and fitness. Geographical information systems (GIS) applications, such as Google Maps, store and retrieve all types of spatial or geographical data.
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