Databases :: essays research papers

databases The Many Faces of Databases Large databases screw contain hundreds of interrelated files. Fortunately a database solicitude system can shield users from the complex inner kit and boodle of the system, providing them with only the information and commands they need to get their jobs done. In fact, a well-designed database effects on different faces for different classes of users. Downsizing and Decentralizing The earliest file management programs could only do batch processing, which required users to accumulate transactions and persist them into computers in large batches. These batch systems werent able to provide the kind of ready feedback we expect today. Today disk drives, inexpensive memory, and sophisticated software pack allowed interactive processing to replace batch processing for most applications. Users can now interact with data through terminals, viewing and changing set in real time. Batch processing is still used for effect periodic bills, invoices , and reports and for making backup copies of data files. But for applications that demand immediacy, such as airline reservations, banking transactions, and the like, interactive, multiuser database systems have taken over. Until recently most databases were housed in mainframe computers. But for a growing number of organizations, the traditional centralised database on a mainframe system is no longer the norm. both(prenominal) companies use a client/server approach Database software in client desktop computers works with files stored in central server databases on mainframes, minicomputers, or desktop computers. Other companies use distributed databases that use data strewn show up across networks on several different computers. From the users point of view, the differences between these approaches whitethorn not be apparent. Tomorrows Databases? Many computer scientists believe that the comparative data model may be supplanted in the next decade by an object-oriented data mod el, and that most future databases will be object-oriented databases rather than relative databases. Instead of storing records in tables and hierarchies, object-oriented databases store software objects that contain procedures (or instructions) along with data. Object-oriented databases ofttimes are used in conjunction with object-oriented programming languages. Tomorrows databases will be able to respond intelligently to commands and queries issued in natural human language. Rules of alternate Dealing with Databases A few common-sense rules when working with file managers or relational database management systems are o Choose the right tool for the job. o Think about how youll get the information out before you put it in. o Start with a plan, and be prepared to change it.