DBMS stands for Database Management System. A database management system (DBMS) is a software program made specifically to handle and arrange data in an orderly fashion. It enables users to manage the security and access controls for a database in addition to creating, editing, and querying it. A comfortable and effective environment for storing and retrieving data is offered by DBMS.
In other words, DBMS is a collection of programs that enables user to create and maintain a database.
Characteristics of DBMS
1. Real World Entity
2. Integrity
The information kept in the database must be correct and in line with information from the outside world in order to maintain integrity. For example, the database needs to be updated right away if a consumer transfers 6000 rupees after their account balance was initially zero. If this isn't done, the customer's financial situation will be inaccurately represented, which will be inconvenient and problematic.
3. Self-Explaining Nature
Database management systems (DBMSs) allow databases to contain other databases. Additionally, each database has metadata, or information about the data itself. For example, metadata would include details like the names of tables and the total number of rows in a school database. Because all of the data is kept in an organized format, which allows for automated information organization and interpretation, the database is self-explanatory.
4. Stores Any Kind of Structured Data
The ability of a Database Management System (DBMS) to store data in an organized manner is one of its core features. It is important to understand that DBMSs may handle an infinite amount of data, even if many examples concentrate on student databases for easier understanding. Another essential component of this technology is DBMS, which has the adaptability to store different kinds of real-world data in an organized way. DBMS can efficiently organize and handle any type of data, including financial records, customer information, inventory data, and more, guaranteeing data integrity and convenient retrieval. A major factor in the broad use and significance of DBMS in contemporary information-driven environments is its innate capacity to organize and store a variety of data kinds.
5. Easy to Access
Prior to the development of database management systems (DBMS), data was kept in a file and folder system, which made it difficult and time-consuming to search for specific information, such as a student's name. Within the files and directories, every search has to be done by hand. Nevertheless, data access became much simpler with the advent of DBMS.
Any kind of stored data can be easily retrieved using DBMS by running basic search operation queries. When compared to manual searching, this method is significantly quicker and more effective. CRUD (Create, Read, Update & Delete) is a set of actions provided by DBMS that enables us to implement different kinds of queries inside the database. These CRUD procedures offer an organized and standardized method for efficiently managing and modifying data. Consequently, DBMS transformed data management, increasing its usability and accessibility for users across a range of sectors and applications.
6. SQL and No SQL Databases
SQL databases offer a strict and relational method of storing data by organizing it into organized tables with rows and columns. On the other hand, flexibility is provided by No-SQL databases, which allow data to be stored in formats other than typical tables. For example, the well-known No-SQL database MongoDB uses JSON to express its data.
The ability to select the best database type for a given project is what makes it so beautiful. We may embrace both SQL and No-SQL, leveraging their unique advantages and applicability for various use cases, rather than arguing about which is superior. Because of its versatility, DBMS makes working with both SQL and No-SQL databases easy. Users may easily perform operations and run queries on a variety of databases, enabling them to improve data management according to the particular needs of each project.
7. Concurrent Access without Anomalies
One notable aspect in the field of Database Management Systems (DBMS) is the concurrent capability. Multiple users can access the database at once with it, retrieving data without any interruptions or irregularities.
8. Security
Limiting user access to databases is necessary to stop unwanted access and modifications. Users are granted specific rights to access the database using authentication, which permits only approved actions.
For Example, Administrators have the ability to change the entire database, whilst regular employees are limited to editing their individual profiles.
