Fundamentals of Database Systems: Lesson 1: Introduction To Databases
Fundamentals of Database Systems: Lesson 1: Introduction To Databases
of
Database Systems
Unit Content
1. Introduction to Databases (File Vs Database Approach)
5. Relational Algebra
During the study of the unit student will be asked to face the
progress tests and participate the discussion activities
(Beginning of the each lessons).
Acknowledgement
• This lecture series is based on the following key texts and
resources (including lecture slides associated with each
text book)
– Elmasri and Navathe , Fundamentals of Database
Systems, Fourth Edition, Pearson Education, 2005
– Database Management Systems - Ramakrishnan-
Gherke-3rd. Ed. McGraw-Hill, 2003.
• Other sources are referenced separately
Introduction to Database
To better understand what drives the design of databases,
first need to understand the difference between data and
information.
What is Data?
What is Information?
What is Database (DB)?
What is Database Management System (DBMS)?
File based Approach
This is one of the obsolete approach which used to data
management. Such a system would typically consist of a
set of application programs (separate computer files) that
perform various tasks. Each program would define and
manage its own data.
Basic File Terminologies
Data
Field
Record
File
Cont.
Cont.
Sales Order
Accounts Payable Processing Payroll
Program Program Program
Inventory Employee
Vendor Invoice Customer
file file
file file file
Cont.
Database Approach
Limitations of Conventional File-based Approach:
Result:
The Database and Database Management System
(DBMS).
Cont.
Database Approach
Order Dept. Accounting Payroll
Dept. Dept.
A B C
Cont.
Cont.
History in a Nutshell
First DBMS: Bachman at General Electric, early 60’s
(Network Data Model). Standardized by CODASYL.
Late 60’s : IBM’s IMS (Inf. Mgmt.Sys.) (Hierarchical Data
Model).
1970: Edgar Codd (at IBM) proposed the Relational Data
Model. Strong theoretical basis.
1980’s -90’s: Relational model consolidated. Research on
query languages and data models => logic-based
languages, OO DBMSs => Object-relational data model
(extend DBMSs with new data types)
Cont.
Directed Reading Section 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 in Elmasri and Navathe.
Cont.
Data Independence
Data Independence is the capacity to change the
schema at one level of a database system without
having to change the schema at the next higher
level
Logical Data Independence: Change conceptual
schema without having to change external schemas
and their application programs.
Physical Data Independence: Change internal
schema without having to change conceptual
schema.
Data Independence