Database Management System (DBMS) refers to a set of computer programs in a
software package specifically designed for the creation, maintenance, and
use of databases by following appropriate security measures. All DBMS
software come with some common integrated components to perform specific
functions.
In this article, we discuss the essential or major components of DBMS which
are universal in all DBMS software. Additionally, the article also lists
some other DBMS components that are used to extend the core functionality of
the database and its environment.
What are the components of DBMS?
A DBMS consists of several components and each component has a specific
function in the database management system environment. Although DBMS
consists of many components,
Hardware, Software, Data, Database Access Language, and
Procedures
are the five major components of DBMS.
Let us understand each component in detail along with the function of each:
Hardware
Hardware refers to the set of physical electronic devices such as
computers and their components, which include I/O devices for data in or out, storage devices, and other
physical components. Hardware, with the help of software, helps establish an
interface between a computer and a real-world system to help users create,
access, or maintain databases.
One cannot implement or use DBMS without hardware. Databases are created,
accessed, and/or managed using a range of machines from microcomputers to
mainframes. When we run any database management system, such as Oracle,
MySQL, etc. on our
PC, then the computer parts like the mouse, keyboard,
RAM,
ROM, hard-disk all become part of DBMS hardware.
Note: A database is defined as a collection of logically related
information that is securely organized so that it can be easily accessed,
managed, and/or updated using a DBMS.
Software
Software is one of the main components of a database management system. It
refers to the set of multiple programs used to control and manage the entire
database and its structure. The software includes
DBMS software, operating systems, network-based programs
that help in sharing data between users,
and application software to help
users to access data within a database.
The software establishes an easy-to-use interface for users to control the
hardware and to create, store, access, and/or update data in the database.
All requests made by users for database management are handled and processed
by the DBMS software. DBMS software usually understands the 'Database Access Language' and converts it into database commands or instructions to be executed/run
on the respective database.
Recommended:
Types of software in computer
Data
Data is another important component in a database management system
environment as DBMS mainly exists to collect, store, access, and process
data. Using a DBMS, the database is first created, constructed, or defined.
After that, the desired data is stored, accessed, or updated to/from the
created databases.
The primary reason behind the introduction of a database management system
was to store and maintain data within the database. A typical database
stores both actual (or operational) data and metadata (information or
details about the actual data for better understanding).
When we store specific data (for example, a person's name) in the database,
the DBMS also stores additional information such as when and where the data
was stored, the size of the data, whether the data is relative or
independent, etc. All this additional information about the actual data
(i.e., the name) is collectively called
metadata.
Recommended:
Difference between Data and Information
Procedures
Procedures refer to the rules and instructions that help to design and use a
database management system. This typically includes procedures such as
assisting in setting up and installing a database management system (DBMS),
logging in or out of the DBMS software, changing or modifying the database
structure, managing databases, generating reports, backing up databases,
etc.
The basic purpose of procedures is to help guide users to the operation and
management of database systems.
Database Access Language
Database Access Language is a simple language that allows users to write
commands to perform desired operations on the data stored in the database.
Everything like creating a new database, creating tables, inserting data,
accessing, updating, or deleting stored data can be done using database
access language.
The user has to write a set of appropriate commands in the database access
language and submit it to the DBMS for further execution. The DBMS
translates the given commands, processes the data accordingly, and generates
or displays the result in a readable form to the user.
The following diagram is a structural visualization to explain how all the
components of a DBMS fit together for users interacting with the
database.
Apart from the DBMS components, the user also plays an important role in the
database management system.
Types of Users in DBMS
User refers to every person who accesses the database and performs any
operation like creating, deleting, accessing, or modifying data in the
database with DBMS. There can be any number of users for a particular
database, and they can perform various operations on-demand using the
specific application and an interface provided by the DBMS.
Although database users can be of different types, they are mainly
classified as the following:
• Database Administrators (DBA): A database administrator, also called a DBA, is the person responsible
for managing the entire database management system, including databases,
user accounts, access control, backup or recovery, database security, etc.
•
Application Programmer or Software Developer: An application programmer or software developer is a person who designs
and develops parts of a DBMS using various programming languages (such as
Java, C++, or Visual Basic) to allow other users to interact with the
DBMS.
• End-Users: Any person who indirectly interacts with a DBMS and performs various
database-related operations like inserting, modifying, retrieving, or
deleting data, using database commands or applications.
The application is programmed by the developer in such a way that they
collect data from the end-user and store the data on the DBMS system running
on the host server maintained by the database administrator.
Other DBMS Components
Following are some other components that help in the DBMS environment:
Query Processor
The query processor acts as an intermediate between the user's queries and
the database and converts the queries into a series of actionable commands
that can be sent to the runtime database manager for execution.
Run Time Database Manager
The run-time database manager, also called the database control system,
refers to the central software component of the database management system
that typically interacts with application programs or queries given by
users, and also manages database access at run time.
The primary function of the database control system is to convert operations
within the submitted user queries. In addition, it provides controls to
maintain continuity, security, and integrity for the data.
Data Manager
The data manager takes control of the data handling in the database.
Additionally, it provides a recovery to the system which helps in retrieving
the data after any sudden failure. It is also known as Cache Manager in
DBMS.
Database Engine
The database engine manages the core services of storing, processing, and
securing data. It typically provides controlled access and rapid transaction
processing to meet the needs of the most demanding data-consuming
applications.
The database engine is most commonly integrated when creating relational
databases for online transaction processing or online analytical processing
of data.
Data Dictionary
A data dictionary can be defined as a reserved space within a database. It
usually helps to store information about the database. Specifically, it is a
set of read-only tables and views that contain additional information about
the data used in any enterprise to ensure that the database representation
of the data adheres to a single standard as described in the dictionary.
Report Writer
The report writer, or report generator, refers to a program that typically
helps in extracting information from one or more files and further
presenting the extracted information in a specified format. Generally, the
report writers enable users to select records that fulfill specific
conditions, display/ highlight desired fields in rows and columns, or format
the data across various charts.
Summary
This article discusses the primary components of the database management
system in detail. Each component or module has a specific role in the DBMS
environment. Understanding the various components of a DBMS and how it works
and relates to each other is the first step in employing an effective DBMS.
Please share this...