31271 Database Fundamentals

Lecture 1 intro to databases

Context helps users understand data
Graphical displays (GRAPHS) turn data into useful information that managers can use for decision making and
interpretation

METADATA - Descriptions of the properties or characteristics of the data, including data types, field sizes, allowable
values, and data context

Problem with Spreadsheets: Redundancy
In a spreadsheet, each row is intended to stand on its own. As a result, the same information may be entered several
times

E.g. The BoyGirl spreadsheet/database,
BoyGirl Database, Version 0
NOTE: Not a good design!
One girl can date many boys, so
.. we store redundant data about Bonnie

A Better BoyGirl Database
No redundant data about Bonnie
Two tables with a One-to-Many
relationship

linked by a Foreign Key


Problems with Data Redundancy
Waste of space to have duplicate data
Causes more maintenance headaches
The biggest problem:
o Data changes in one file could cause inconsistencies
o Compromises in data integrity

SOLUTION: The DATABASE Approach
31271 Database Fundamentals

Central repository of shared data
Data is managed by a controlling agent
Stored in a standardized, convenient form
Requires a Database Management System (DBMS)
Database Management System
A software system that is used to create,
maintain, and provide controlled access to
user databases

Relationships..
o One to many .. one student can have
many courses

o Many to many .Therefore, one
order involves many products and
one product is involved in many
orders
Figure 1-7 Three-tiered client/server database architecture






31271 Database Fundamentals

Figure 1-12 Three-schema architecture
Different people have
different views of the
databasethese are the
external schema

The internal schema is the
underlying design and
implementation

Database Schema
External Schema
o User Views
o Subsets of
o Conceptual Schema

Conceptual Schema
o E-R models

Internal Schema
o Logical structures
o Physical structures



31271 Database Fundamentals

Lecture 2
Lecture 3
Lecture 4
Lecture 5
Lecture 6
Lecture 7
Lecture 8
Lecture 9
Lecture 10
Lecture 11
Lecture 12