As you learned in the prior tutorial, the issues with flat file systems make the use of a database much more effective and efficient. Whereas flat file systems contain separate and unrelated files, a database stores logically related data in separate tables within the same system. This structure helps organize how data is stored, accessed, and managed, all in one place. The database system has five main parts, including the hardware, software, people, procedures, and data.
Hardware refers to all of the physical devices that the database system interacts with. This can include the servers that the database is connected to, as well as the desktop, workstations, tablets, and mobile devices that connect to the database. In addition, hardware also includes the network components, storage devices, and other devices that may be unique to a database system, such as a digital key reader or automated teller machine.
The software in the database system can consist of the programs that organize the database system and provide interactions to users. There is the operating system software that helps to manage the hardware components and allows the other key software to run on the servers and computers. Some common operating systems include Windows, Linux, Mac OS, UNIX, Android, and iOS. The database management system (DBMS) software is what manages the database within the entire database system. Some common DBMS software includes PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, MS Access, and MS SQL Server.
The other types of software in a database system are the applications or utilities that are used to access and manipulate data. These are the programs that are used to interact with the DBMS to insert data, query data, and create reports. There are various tools and utilities that are also used to help create the database structures and control access. One such utility is the web interface that you use in this course to access the PostgreSQL database to be able to run SQL commands.
The people include the various types of users in the database system. There are generally five different types of users that are defined based on job functions within the database. System administrators oversee the entire database/information system to ensure that everything is operating optimally. Database administrators, or DBAs, are the users that manage the database management system specifically and ensure that the database is running correctly. DBAs control access and optimize the queries.
Database designers design the database structure and architect the database to ensure that the database design not only fits the business needs but also functions optimally. System analysts and programmers design and implement the application programs that interact with the database management systems. They create the web applications, applications, and reporting systems that end users use to interact with the data. Lastly, you have end users, which are the individuals that use the applications to run the day-to-day operations of the organization. Different end users will interact with different levels of the information from the database.
Procedures are the rules or instructions that define how the database is designed and how it is used. This is a key aspect of the database design process, as it ensures that the specific way that a business operates is correctly reflected in the database design and setup. These procedures can also include various methods to monitor and audit the data based on a business process or laws.
Lastly, you have data, which are just the raw facts that are used to build information.
The entire database system has to fit within an organization’s operational structure. Depending on the business and the size and complexity of the organization, there may be varying amounts of each part of the database system.
Source: Authored by Vincent Tran