Advantages of Using the DBMS Approach
Advantages of Using the DBMS Approach
A Database Management System (DBMS) provides several advantages over traditional file-processing systems. These advantages help organizations manage large, shared, multiuser databases efficiently and securely.
1. Control of Data Redundancy
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Traditional file systems store the same data in multiple files, leading to:
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Duplication of effort
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Wasted storage space
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Data inconsistency
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A DBMS integrates data into a single database, storing each logical data item once (normalization).
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Controlled redundancy may be allowed for performance (denormalization), but the DBMS ensures consistency using constraints and checks.
Result: Reduced inconsistency and efficient storage utilization.
2. Restriction of Unauthorized Access
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Not all users should access all data.
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A DBMS provides:
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User accounts and passwords
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Authorization control (read, update, insert, delete)
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Role-based access for different user groups
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Sensitive data (e.g., salaries) can be protected.
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Access can be limited to predefined applications.
Result: Improved data security and privacy.
3. Persistent Storage for Program Objects
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DBMSs allow program objects and complex data structures to be stored permanently.
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Object-oriented DBMSs directly support programming language objects (C++, Java).
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Eliminates the need for manual file conversions.
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Solves the impedance mismatch problem between databases and programming languages.
Result: Seamless persistence of complex data.
4. Efficient Query Processing
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DBMSs provide:
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Indexes (tree-based, hash-based)
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Specialized storage structures
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Buffering and caching mechanisms
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Query processing and optimization modules choose efficient execution plans.
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Physical database design and tuning are supported.
Result: Faster data retrieval and updates.
5. Backup and Recovery
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DBMSs support:
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Automatic recovery from system crashes
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Transaction rollback
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Periodic disk backups
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Ensures database consistency even after failures.
Result: High reliability and data protection.
6. Support for Multiple User Interfaces
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DBMSs support diverse users through:
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Query languages (SQL)
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Programming interfaces
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Forms-based interfaces
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Menu-driven and natural language interfaces
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Web and mobile applications
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Result: Usability for users with varying technical skills.
7. Representation of Complex Relationships
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DBMSs can represent:
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One-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many relationships
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Complex interconnections among data
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Easy retrieval and update of related data.
Result: Accurate modeling of real-world applications.
8. Enforcement of Integrity Constraints
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DBMSs enforce:
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Domain constraints (data types)
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Key constraints (uniqueness)
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Referential integrity constraints
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Business rules
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Some errors can be automatically prevented.
Result: Improved data correctness and consistency.
9. Support for Inferencing, Rules, and Triggers
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DBMSs support:
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Deductive rules for deriving new information
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Triggers that automatically execute actions on updates
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Stored procedures
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Active database functionality
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Result: Intelligent and automated database behavior.
10. Additional Organizational Benefits
a) Enforcing Standards
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Centralized control allows uniform naming, formats, and conventions.
b) Reduced Application Development Time
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New applications can be developed quickly using DBMS facilities.
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Development time is typically 1/6 to 1/4 of that using file systems.
c) Flexibility
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Schema changes can be made with minimal impact on existing applications.
d) Availability of Up-to-Date Information
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Updates by one user are immediately visible to others.
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Essential for real-time transaction systems.
e) Economies of Scale
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Shared infrastructure reduces duplication of hardware, software, and personnel effort.
Overall Summary
The DBMS approach provides data integration, security, efficiency, reliability, flexibility, and scalability, making it superior to traditional file-processing systems for modern multiuser applications.
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