Chapter 1 Databases and Database Users

traditional database applications

most of the information that is stored and accessed is either textual or numeric.

For example, if we go to the bank to deposit or withdraw funds, if we make a hotel or airline reservation, if we access a computerized library catalog to search for a bibliographic item, or if we purchase something online—such as a book, toy, or computer—chances are that our activities will involve someone or some computer
program accessing a database.

multimedia databases

New media technology has made it possible to store images, audio clips, and video streams digitally.

Geographic information systems (GIS)

store and analyze maps, weather data, and satellite images.

Data warehouses and online analytical processing (OLAP) systems

 extract and analyze useful business information from very large databases to support decision making.

Real-timeandactive database technology

control industrial and manufacturing processes.

1.1 Introduction

A database is a collection of related data.

A database has the following implicit properties:

■ A database represents some aspect of the real world, sometimes called the miniworld or the universe of discourse (UoD). Changes to the miniworld
are reflected in the database.
■ A database is a logically coherent collection of data with some inherent meaning. A random assortment of data cannot correctly be referred to as a database.
■ A database is designed, built, and populated with data for a specific purpose.It has an intended group of users and some preconceived applications in
which these users are interested.

A database management system (DBMS)is a collection of programs that enables users to create and maintain a database.

The DBMS is a general-purpose software systemthat facilitates the processes ofdefining, constructing, manipulating,andsharing
databases among various users and applications.

meta-data: The database definition or descriptive information is also stored by the DBMS in the form of a database catalog or dictionary; it is called meta-data.

requirements specification and analysis.

conceptual design

logical design

physical design