What is meant by Database Management System?

What is meant by Database Management System? What functions may be performed and manage with a DBMS package?

Ans.

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

DBMS may be defined as:

1. A database management system is simply the software that permits an organization to centralize data, manage them. efficiently, and provide access to the stored data by application programs.

2. A collection of programs required to store and retrieve data from a database is called a ‘Data base Management System’ (DBMS). It is a complex software system which constructs, expands and maintains the database and also provides the interface between the user and the data in the base.

3. DBMS is a software system which manages a database and protects it against damage and unauthorized access.

Database management system (DBMS), also known as database system, is a program that organizes data into a database providing data storage and retrieval. It is a sophisticated group of programs that create the database, maintain the contents in an up to date manner, make the data available to application programs and queries, safeguard the data from loss or destruction, and provide statistics on data use.

A database management, system (DBMS) words like a. computerized file cabinet. It stores and retrieves information that can be organized as a set of records. Each record may contain fields of information. DBMS programs allow one to enter, edit, manipulate, view, modify or play around with data contained in one or more files.

Functions performed by DBMS package

With a DBMS package, the following functions may be performed:

1. Enter, inspect and modify database records.

2. Protect data against unauthorized access.

3. Select records from the database on the basis of the data values in one or more fields.

4. Create the database.

5. Maintain the contents in an up to date manner.

6. Safeguard the data from loss or destruction.

7. Provide recovery and restart facilities after a hardware or software failure.

8. Provide interface with user programs written in different languages.

9. Print reports on the contents of the database.

Functions managed by DBMS package

DBMS is generally provided by the computer manufacturer or software development companies to manage the following functions:

1. Duplication of data is avoided. As the data is centrally available at a place, any user can access the appropriate data selectively by using the appropriate software.

2. The data can be shared by a number of users.

3. Data is updated on line so that every user gets the latest information.

4. Certain standards, as approved by the industry, can be maintained.

5. Security restrictions can be imposed which means that even though the data is available at a central location only the concerned user can be allowed to access the data.

6. As the database is updated on-line, it ensures accurate data.

7. Selected retrieval by any user is possible.