Database System
Database System
ID: 23/CS/TEC/130
Dept: Computer science
Module: Database system
Key Components
1. Tables: The foundational structure in an RDBMS, where data is organized into tables (or
relations). Each table represents an entity, such as customers or products.
2. Schema: The schema defines the structure of the database, including tables, fields, data
types, and relationships between tables.
5. Foreign Keys: A field (or a collection of fields) in one table that uniquely identifies a row
in another table, establishing a relationship between the two tables.
6. Indexes: Structures that improve the speed of data retrieval operations on a database
table at the cost of additional space and maintenance overhead.
Advantages
1. Structured Data Management: RDBMSs provide a clear structure, making it easier to
manage large volumes of data.
2. Complex Query Support: SQL allows for sophisticated queries, enabling users to
retrieve and manipulate data efficiently.
3. Data Integrity and Security: Constraints, roles, and permissions help ensure data
integrity and restrict access to sensitive information.
4. Scalability: While RDBMSs can be scaled vertically, many modern systems also
support horizontal scaling, allowing for distributed databases.
Disadvantages
1. Rigid Schema: Changes to the schema can require significant effort and may lead to
downtime.
2. Performance Bottlenecks: Complex queries involving multiple joins can slow down
performance, especially with large datasets.
3. Cost: Some RDBMS solutions, particularly commercial ones, can be expensive in terms
of licensing and maintenance.
Use Cases
1. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Managing various business processes including
finance, HR, and supply chain.
2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Storing customer information and
managing interactions to enhance relationships.
3. E-commerce Platforms: Handling product listings, user accounts, payments, and order
processing.
Conclusion
Relational Database Systems remain a cornerstone of data management in various fields,
thanks to their structured approach, support for complex queries, and robust integrity
mechanisms. Despite facing challenges such as scalability and performance, their advantages
make them a preferred choice for many enterprises and applications. Understanding RDBMS is
crucial for professionals in data management, software development, and IT.