An organization must have accurate and reliable data for effective decision
making. To this end, the organization maintains records on the various facets maintaining
relationships among them. Such related data are called a database. A database system is
an integrated collection of related files, along with details of the interpretation of the data
contained therein. Basically, database system is nothing more than a computer-based
record keeping system i.e. a system whose overall purpose is to record and maintain
information/data.
A database management system (DBMS) is a software system that allows access
to data contained in a database. The objective of the DBMS is to provide a convenient
and effective method of defining, storing and retrieving the information contained in the
database. The DBMS interfaces with the application programs, so that the data contained
in the database can be used by multiple applications and users. In addition, the DBMS
exerts centralized control of the database, prevents fraudulent or unauthorized users from
accessing the data, and ensures the privacy of the data.
Generally a database is an organized collection of related information. The
organized information or database serves as a base from which desired information can
be retrieved or decision made by further recognizing or processing the data. People use
several databases in their day-to-day life. Dictionary, Telephone directory, Library
catalog, etc are example for databases where the entries are arranged according to
alphabetical or classified order.
The term 'DATA' can be defined as the value of an attribute of an entity. Any
collection of related data items of entities having the same attributes may be referred to as
a 'DATABASE'. Mere collection of data does not make it a database; the way it is
organized for effective and efficient use makes it a database.
Database technology has been described as "one of the most rapidly growing areas
of computer and information science". It is emerged in the late Sixties as a result of
combination of various circumstances. There was a growing demand among users for
more information to be provided by the computer relating to the day-to-day running of
the organization as well as information for planning and control purposes. The
technology that emerged to process data of various kinds is grossly termed as
'DATABASE MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY' and the resulting software are
known as 'DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM' (DBMS) which they manage a
computer stored database or collection of data.