Introduction

A Database management system is an organized collection of data. It is considered as a container of information.In the manual system, you would maintain several files with different bits of information while in the computerized system you would use database programs such as Microsoft Access, OpenOffice.org Base, and MySQL, to organize the data as per your business need.

A database management system is a software package with computer programs that controls the creation, maintenance, and use of a database. for example Oracle, IBM DB2, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, PostgreSQL, MySQL, FoxPro, and SQLite.

Data can be organized in two type:

Flat File : Data is stored in a single table. Usually suitable for less amount of data.

Relational : Data is stored in multiple tables and the tables are linked using a common field. Relational is suitable for medium to large amount of data.

Database server

Database servers are dedicated computers that hold the actual databases and run only the DBMS and related software.

Advabntage of Database:

1) Reduces Data Redundancy: Database reduces data redundancy

2) Sharing of Data: In a database, the users of the database can share the data among themselves.

3) Data Integrity:  Data integrity means that tha data is accurate and consistent in the database.

4) Data Security: Database provides data security as only authorized users are allowed to access the database and thier identity are authorized by using a username and password.

5) Privacy: The privacy rule in a database states that only the authorized users can access a database according to its privacy constrains.

6) Backup and Recovery: Database Management system automatically takes care of backup and recovery.

Some features of Database:

1.Minimum repetition and redundancy: In a database there are high chances of data duplication due to the presence of many users. DBMS resolves this issue by building a repository where all the data are stored and can be accessed by multiple users.

2. Databases of big corporations or companies can only be managed by a database management system. Database management system offers data protection and features like recovery and backup for easy recording and retrieval of data.

3. Enhanced security: Database management systems offer enhanced security by restricting public access. It can only be accessed by a database administrator or the concerned head of the department.

4. Multiple user access: Database is designed in such a way that it can be accessed by multiple users who can work on different sections of the databases at a time without interrupting the flow of work.

5. Provides multiple views of the data: Database management system allows the users to access multiple views of the data present in the database. For e.g an HR personnel can check the database for processing the data of the employee, while at the same time an employee can use the database to access resources related to payslip, attendance, etc.

6. Permanent storage of data: Data stored in a database will remain stored permanently until and unless it is deleted from the system manually. Even in cases of accidental deletion of data, the database system has a robust recovery system which allows recovery of deleted data.