Basic Terms

Before we go, we need to understand some basic terms/definitions to understand DBMS in a better way.

1) DATA

• Data is a raw fact that can be recorded. OR  Data is a fact without context.
• Example: 125 063 3875
• Here, we don't know whether given collection of numbers/digits are Mobile Number, Enrollment number of any student, Locker number, Online transactions reference number or Bank account number. We only one thing know and it is "The given value is Numbers/Digits".

2) INFORMATION

• When any raw fact is processed, organized and structured in a given context to become useful, it is called information. In other term we can say that INFORMATION = DATA + CONTEXT
• Example: 125 063 3875
• Here, if I say that collection of above given numbers/digits are Mobile number. Here "Mobile number" is a specific context for those numbers. Now it becomes information.

3) DATABASE

• Database is a collection of inter-related data/files.

4) DATA WAREHOUSE

• Like Database, Data warehouse is a collection of inter-related data/files. But when we consider data from a past decade or older at that time term "Data Warehouse" is used.
• Basically Data Warehouse is used in analysis of data.

5) DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DBMS)

• It is a collection of inter-related data and set of programs to manipulate those data. 
• In short DBMS = Database + set of programs

                                                                               OR

• DBMS is a software system that facilitate the process of  defining, constructing, manipulating and sharing databases among users and applications.

6) METADATA

• Metadata is a data about data.
• It reveals the information of related to table structure like: table name, column name, data type and user access privileges is referred as metadata.

7) Data Dictionary

• It is an information repository which contains metadata.
• It is a part of system catalog.

8) Field

• It is a character or group of characters, having a specific meaning. (character includes numbers and alpha-bates)
• It is also referred as Data Item. Some times also referred as Attribute.
• Example, enrollment_no, name, branch, city, phone_no all are fields of table STUDENT.

9) Record

• It is a collection of logically related fields.
• Example: (12506039782, Nayan, Computer Engg., Vadodara, 905686458x) is a one record for above mentioned table STUDENT.

10) System Catalog

• It is a group of tables and views that incorporate vital (important) details regarding a database.

<-- Previous                                                                                                                           Next -->