This document compares database management systems (DBMS) to traditional file-based systems. A DBMS organizes related data across multiple tables and provides interfaces for defining, manipulating, and securing data. It reduces redundancy and improves consistency, integrity, and concurrent access. Traditional file systems store flat files that are less structured and do not allow relationships between files. A DBMS provides advantages like redundancy control, data security, and sharing that file systems lack.
2. DATABASE
Database is a collection of interrelated data organized in specific
forms in order to suit for specific applications.
DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
(DBMS)
DBMS is a collection of interrelated data and a set of programs
that manage or control the use of data. It provides an interface
between the database and its user.
3. Major roles of DBMS
Defines data structure for data storage.
Provides suitable mechanism for data access and data manipulation.
Maintains system integrity
Provides safety and security measures of data.
Provides mechanism for data sharing among users concurrently.
Advantages of DBMS
Control of data redundancy
Data consistency
Data security
Sharing of data
Improved data integrity
4. Disadvantages of DBMS
Cost of DBMS
Cost of conversion
Higher impact of failure
Cost of staff training
CLASSICAL FILE BASED SYSTEMS
In traditional file based record keeping system, data are stored in flat
files. These files can be accessed directly under the supervision of
the operating system as separate entities.
No structural relationship exists between any two such files. A user
can get complete access over any of the data files in a non
concurrent fashion.
5. Features of classical file based system
Data are stored in flat files
Every user is presented with a single view of stored data
Multiple users can work on a particular data file by copy
mechanism
There was no control over data usage
No central supervision of data is present
Disadvantages of Classical Technique
Data is not secured
Data may be redundant
Data may be inconsistent
Data file organization may be suitable for only specific applications
Running a new application may require reorganization of data files.
6. COMPARISON BETWEEN FILE PROCESSING
SYSTEM & DBMS
1. A database management system coordinates both the physical
and the logical access to the data, whereas a file-processing
system coordinates only the physical access.
2. A database management system reduces the amount of data
duplication by ensuring that a physical piece of data is available
to all programs authorized to have access to it, whereas data
written by one program in a file-processing system may not be
readable by another program.
3. A database management system is designed to allow flexible
access to data (i.e., queries), whereas a file-processing system is
designed to allow predetermined access to data (i.e., compiled
programs).
7. 4. A database management system is designed to coordinate multiple users
accessing the same data at the same time. A file-processing system is usually
designed to allow one or more programs to access different data files at the
same time. In a file-processing system, a file can be accessed by two programs
concurrently only if both programs have read-only access to the file.
5. Redundancy is control in DBMS, but not in file system
6. Unauthorized access is restricted in DBMS but not in file system.
7. DBMS provide back up and recovery. When data is lost in file system then it
will not recover.
8. DBMS provide multiple user interfaces. Data is isolated in file system,