What is Database Management System (DBMS)?

A Database Management System (DBMS) is a computer software application that enables users to create, manage, and query databases. In addition, it can be used to store data for various purposes, such as tracking customer information or managing inventory.

Many different DBMS applications are available today, each with its unique features and capabilities. Therefore, when deciding which database is suitable for your needs, it’s essential to understand what these systems do.

This blog post will provide an overview of DBMS and highlight some of the key features to look for when choosing one. We’ll also discuss some of its most common uses of it.

Definition of DBMS

Database Management System is an assortment of programs and applications used to manage the database.

Various users extract and manipulate the data for different business and personal requirements.

It might be used by an administrator who ensures that the data stored in the system is secured and limits free access to other users.

Some designers access the database to handle the same design aspect and make it more flexible and data-pro.

The last sect is the end-users who access it to collect and analyze the existing data for their needs.

Some examples of Database Management Systems

• MySQL
• PostgreSQL
• Microsoft Access
• SQL Server
• File Maker
• Oracle
• RDBMS
• dBASE
• Clipper
• FoxPro

We can take a school database, for example.

This school database maintains information about students, sections, grades, staff, and related information. The database will be arranged as follows.

• Student file: It stores all the data like the name, residential address, and phone number of the parents of each student
• Section file: It stores the information of sections of each class
• Grade file: It stores the data of scores of each student
• Staff file: It keeps the information about all the faculties of the school

Types of the Database management system (DBMS)

Relational

Relational databases are the most popular type of DBMS. They store data in tables with rows and columns, making them easy to query and update. They’re often used for storing financial data, customer information, and other types of business data. 

Hierarchical

Hierarchical databases are based on a parent-child relationship between data records. They’re typically used in situations where data is structured and doesn’t often change, such as in EHR systems. 

Flat-files

Flat-files DBMS is another type of database, but they store data in a simple text file instead of using more complex structures like tables and objects. While they’re not as common today as other types of databases, flat files are still helpful for simple applications that don’t need to store much data or perform complex queries.

Object DBMS

Object-oriented databases are similar to relational ones, but they allow you to store data in the form of objects rather than tables and columns. This makes them more intuitive for programming applications and easier to work with when developing new software products. Overall, each type of DBMS has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to carefully consider your needs and requirements before deciding which one to use.

Network databases

Network databases are similar to hierarchical ones but with a more flexible structure that allows for multiple paths between records. This makes them well-suited for applications where data is constantly changing, such as inventory management. 

Relational database management system (RDBMS)

RDBMS stores data in a row-based table structure.

It enables IT staff to easily create, update, monitor, and retrieve the database. Generally, RDBMS uses SQL( Structured query language) to access the database.

It is the most desired type of DB worldwide because it enables companies to store and retrieve vast amounts of data. Apart from that, it is easy to implement.

Difference between RDBMS and DBMS

DBMS	RDBMS
Only one user can operate at a time.	Multiple users can use it at a time.
It requires less hardware and software.	It requires more software and hardware.
It controls a small amount of data.	It controls a vast amount of data.
Data is stored hierarchically.	Data is stored in a row-based table structure.
It does not support distributed databases.	It supports distributed databases.
It maintains databases present in the computer network and system hard disk.	It maintains the relationship between its integrated tables of data.
It does not follow the ACID manner.	It uses atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability (ACID) to store data.

The DBMS architecture classification

Components of DBMS

Its architecture of it can be classified as

• 1-tier: The user directly works on the system and is solely responsible for all the actions he carries out on it.
• 2-tier: Here, an application acts as a barrier through which the user can access the database. He cannot directly alter the data and hence is comparatively secure.
• 3-tier: Based on how the users use the existing data in the server, this system will divide it into three tiers: Presentation tier, Application tier, and Database tier. Depending on the complexity of data that prevails and its use, companies build a multi-tier system that restrains the users from making any changes and ensures proper controls to keep it safe.

Advantages and Disadvantages of DBMS

Advantages

• Increases the data quality and ensures that the business structure and needs maintain the data.
• Because of its centralized nature, it is easily maintainable.
• It reduces program maintenance and data hacking.
• Allows authorized users of an organization to share data with multiple users.
• It protects the database. If there are multiple users, it allows for maintaining data consistency.
• Allows users to insert, modify, and delete the data in the database.

Disadvantages

• DBMS can be slow and cumbersome to work
• They can be challenging to scale up or down as needed
• The security of your data is only as good as the security of the DBMS itself
• If something goes wrong, it can be challenging to troubleshoot and fix

Functions of DBMS

• Create structured databases and supporting platforms for enhanced performance.
• Appropriate backup and data recovery operations to be set
• Adequate security and anti-virus measures
• Read and modify existing data if required

More significant organizations have complex databases. That is because they must support several users at one time, including several supporting applications, and involve several databases.

Applications of Database management systems in different sectors

• Manufacturing: Product-based industries manufacture various products and deliver them daily, weekly, or monthly. This sector is used to store information about products, like the quantity of the products, product bills, and supply chain management.
• Banking & Finance: In banking, it is used to store customer transaction details, and in the finance sector, it is used to hold data about sales, stocks, and bonds.
• Education sector: Information about the students, their attendance, courses, fees, and results are stored in the database. Apart from this, it is used to store staff data also. In addition, many colleges and universities use it for conducting online examinations.
• Credit card transaction: It is used to purchase a credit card and create a monthly statement.
• Social media sites: Nowadays, social media are the popular platforms to share our thoughts and views with the world and our friends. Social media also allow us to connect with our friends. Millions of sign-ins and sign-ups happen daily on social media like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc. All these things happen with the help of database systems that allows us to connect with others.
• Telecommunication: All telecommunication companies use it. The DB is crucial for this sector to store monthly postpaid bills and customer call details in the database.
• Railways & airlines reservation system: A database is necessary to store ticket booking data and keep the information on train/ airplane arrivals, departures, and delay status.
• Human resource management: Big industries have more employees. A database is required to store employees’ information like their permanent address, salary, tax, and other details.
• Online shopping: Online shopping helps save time. Present-day online shopping created a trend. People love to do online shopping through websites like Amazon. All the transactions, such as products added, the products sold, generation of invoice bills, and payments, happen with its help.

Distributed database management system (DDBMS)

Before knowing about DDBMS, let us know about a distributed database.

A distributed database is a set of various interconnected databases spread physically throughout all the locations and communicated through a computer network.

A DDBMS is a single centralized software system that controls a distributed database. It is mainly used for creating, retrieving, updating, and deleting the distributed database.

Conclusion

A database management system is a program that enables you to store, modify, and query data. This article looks at the different types of DBMS software available and how they can benefit your business. We also took a look at the features offered by some of the most popular DBMS programs on the market.

If you’re looking for a database management system for your business, consider your organization’s needs. Then, with the suitable DBMS in place, you can streamline your operations, improve efficiency, and make better decisions. Thanks for reading!