DATABASE ENGINEERING

INTRODUCTION

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 DATABASE ENGINEERING
EC-316
• Credits 4(3,1)
• Text Book: Modern Database Management, by
Hoffer, Prescott, MsFadden, 2008, Latest Edition
• Grading Criteria:
– Sessional 60%
• Assignments: 8%
• Quizzes: 10%
• Sessional 1: 20%
• Sessional 2: 20%
• Project: 8%
• Practical 34%
– Final 40%

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 The Database Environment

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 Topics

• Growth and importance of databases

• Limitations of conventional file processing

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 Definitions

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 Database (Definition)
In the broadest sense, a database is anything that stores
data. A phone book, for instance, could be considered a
database as it stores related pieces of information such as
name and phone number. However, in the world of
computers, a database usually refers to a collection of
related pieces of information stored electronically. Aside
from the ability to store data, a database also provides a
way for other computer programs to quickly retrieve and
update desired pieces of data.

Reference:
http://www.mariosalexandrou.com/definition/database.asp

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 Database (Definition)
A database is an application that manages
data and allows fast storage and retrieval
of that data.

Reference
http://cplus.about.com/od/glossar1/g/databasedefn.htm

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 Database (Definition)
A database is a collection
of information that is organized so that it
can easily be accessed, managed, and
updated.

Reference:
http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid87
_gci211895,00.html

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 Definitions (By Hoffer)
• Database (Concluded): organized collection of
logically related data
• Data: stored representations of meaningful
objects and events
– Structured: numbers, text, dates
– Unstructured: images, video, documents
• Information: data processed to increase
knowledge in the person using the data
• Metadata: data that describes the properties and
context of user data
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 Figure 1-1a Data in context

Context helps users understand data

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 Figure 1-1b Summarized data

Graphical displays turn data into useful

information that managers can use for
decision making and interpretation
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 Descriptions of the properties or characteristics of the
data, including data types, field sizes, allowable
values, and data context
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 Disadvantages of File Processing
• Program-Data Dependence
– All programs maintain metadata for each file they use
• Duplication of Data
– Different systems/programs have separate copies of the same data
• Limited Data Sharing
– No centralized control of data
• Lengthy Development Times
– Programmers must design their own file formats
• Excessive Program Maintenance
– 80% of information systems budget

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 Problems with Data Dependency
• Each application programmer must maintain
his/her own data
• Each application program needs to include
code for the metadata of each file
• Each application program must have its own
processing routines for reading, inserting,
updating, and deleting data
• Lack of coordination and central control
• Non-standard file formats

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 Figure 1-3 Old file processing systems at Pine Valley
Furniture Company
Duplicate Data

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 Problems with Data
Redundancy

• Waste of space to have duplicate data

• Causes more maintenance headaches
• The biggest problem:
– Data changes in one file could cause
inconsistencies
– Compromises in data integrity

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