What do you mean by database ? Discuss its Characteristics.
What do you mean by database ? Discuss its Characteristics.
Ans.
Database
‘Database‘ may be defined as follows:
“A Database’ is a computer file system that uses a particular file organisation to facilitate rapid updating of individual records, simultaneous updating of related records, easy access to all records, by all application programs and rapid access to all stored data which must be brought to gather for a particular routine report or inquiry or a special-purpose report or inquiry.”
In order to overcome the problems of a traditional file-oriented database processing system, the database concept was introduced. It is defined as an integrated collection of data and information which is utilised by several information sub-systems of an organisation. Such a database can be organised as an integrated collection of data records into a single ‘superfine’ or it can be organised as an integrated collection of several data files.
The organisation of a common database allow it to be accessed by several information sub-systems and thus eliminates the necessity of duplication in data storage, updating deletion and protection.
Characteristics of Database
Regardless of its file organisation, a database system includes several components that collectively give it following distinct characteristics:
1. Stored on a direct access storage device.
2. Organisation is such that duplication of data is minimised if not eliminated entirely.
3. Centralised and integrated shared data file which consists of all data used by a company.
4. Organised and structured in a different manner than the conventional sequential file organisations.
5. Emphasises the independence of programs as well as data and involves the concept of separating data definition from the applications programs and including it as part of the database.
6. Provides for the definition of logical relationships which exist between various records in the database.
7. Permits access to any or all data quantities by all applications with equal case.
8. Is controlled by a separate authority established for the purpose.
9. Acts as common data source to various users and thus avoids duplication in storage and retrieval of data and information.
10. A database is a collection of related files and offers users more flexibility than files. With a database data are independent of the application programs that use them; data are accessible to any program regardless of the location of the data or the language in which the program is written; data are not duplicated in different locations and programmers need not write and debug extensive file descriptions in order to work with data.
