Database Management System:
A database management system (DBMS) is a collection of programs that are used to create and maintain a database. DBMS is a general-purpose software system that provides the following facilities:
1. It provides the facility to define the structure of the, database. The user can specify the data types, format, and constraints for the data to he stored in the database.
2. It provides the facility to store the data on some storage medium that is controlled by the DBMS.
3. It provides the facilities to insert, delete, update and retrieve specific data for generating reports etc.
Components of Database Environment:
The important components of a database environment are as follows:
1. Repository: A repository is a collection of all data definitions, data relationships, output styles and report formats etc. All this information is the metadata that is important to manage database.
2. Application Program: An application program is a program that is used to send commands to the database management system to manipulate database. These commands are sent to the DBMS through graphical user interface. The user interacts with the application program and the application program further interacts with the database management system.
3. User Interface: The user interface is a visual environment that is used by the user to communicate with the computer. It consists of menus, buttons and other components. All windows based software use graphical user interface. The user interface consists of the following components:
Forms: The forms are used to enter data in the database. A form consists of textboxes, labels and buttons that are used by the users for entering data easily. The user can also retrieve, change and update data by using forms.
Menus: Menus are a List of commands for performing different operations. Menus are frequently used in windows-based applications. The user can use them easily for manipulating the database.
Reports: Reports are the output of the database application. The user can generate different types of reports by manipulating the database. The information on the reports is arranged in different forms and may contain graphs, charts and tables etc.
4. Data Administrator: Data administrators are the persons who are responsible of the whole information system. They authorize access to the database as well as coordinate and monitor the use of database.
5. End User: End users are those persons who interact with the application directly. They are responsible to insert, delete and update data in the database. They get information from the system as and when required.
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