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Introduction

A database is an organised body of related files and or information. It is simply an automated library system an is maintained as an integral part of most organisations worldwide. A cite on the World Wide Web, the Webopedia Computer Dictionary, refers to the database as a collection of information organized and presented to serve a specific purpose. (A telephone book is a common database.) A computerized database is an updated, organized file of machine readable information that is rapidly searched and retrieved by computer. A Data Base Management System is a collection of programs that enables you to store, modify, and extract information from a database. There are many different types of DBMSs, ranging from small systems that run on personal computers to huge systems that run on mainframes. The following are examples of database applications: * computerized library systems * automated teller machines * flight reservation systems * computerized parts inventory systems From a technical standpoint, DBMSs can differ widely. The terms relational, network, flat, and hierarchical all refer to the way a DBMS organizes information internally. ...read more.

Middle

Another advantage is that privacy and integrity controls are applicable to groups of users such as passwords and access controls for security. In-terms of privacy, a selection of authourised users can use the database and with reference to integrity, the database enables and promotes accurate input of data into the system. Data independency is also observed and by this we mean the immunity of applications to changes in storage structure and access strategy. Data accessibility and responsiveness is also very quick unlike the manual libraries or filing rooms. However, as much as the database may have its adequate share of advantages, we also have to highlight on the disadvantages of this approach to organisations. Any company, institution or organisation embarking upon the automated database has to recruit specialised personnel, often new employees who have the know-how and are specialists in the computer or Information Technology field. In other cases the current employees undergo a lot of time on training, which then takes up a lot of production time. ...read more.

Conclusion

It is relational in that one can access a customer number from an or customer file to identify the name and address of a customer. Primary keys are used to associate records. In an object-oriented database model, each object is bound together with its own data and set of instructions that describes the behaviour and attributes of the objects. Every object is described by a set of attributes. For example the object building in a database of architectural drawing may have the attribute's type, size, colour, just as in any other database. Every object has a set of procedures or set of methods. For instance, methods for an architectural drawing might include instructions to display, rotate or expand the drawing on a screen. To conclude, we sum up by reiterating Masiiwa and Kabanda's definition that a database is a logically coherent collection of data with some inherent meaning. By data, they mean the known facts that can be recorded and have implicit meaning. Organisations need this system or a DBMS in place because it stores tonnes of information that otherwise would be cumbersome to retrieve if everything was on lever arch files and papers and in employees offices. ...read more.

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