DATABASE
Database
is structured collection of information on specific subjects. We can
think of a database as an electronic filing system.
An example of the database is a telephone book which contains records of names, addresses and contact numbers.
A database allows its contents to be easily accessed, updated, stored and retrieved.
DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DBMS)
A Database management System is a program that accesses information from a database.
A Database Management System provides an interface between the database and the user.
A Database management System enables you to extract, modify and store information from a database.
Examples of DBMS are Oracle, SQL Server and Microsoft Access.
BENEFITS OF USING DATABASE
Minimises Data Redundancy
Most
data item stored in only one file. With a database there is no need to
repeat recording the same data. This minimises data redundancy.
For
example, a school database would record a student’s name. address and
other details only once when the student enrols in the school.
Data Integrity Is Assured
A
database ensures that data is correct for all files. When a user
modifies data in one of the files in a database, the same data will
change automatically in all the files. This is called data integrity.
Data Can Be Shared
A database allows the ease of sharing data. Data can be shared over a network, by a whole organisation.
Information Can Be Accessed Easily
A database makes information access easy.
Everyone can access and manage data in a database.
