What are Data and Information
Data is a Collection of raw factors and figures that can be processed to derive meaning or knowledge. In easier terms, we can say that any fact can be Data e.g. 'XYZ', [1, 2, 3]
What is a Database
A Database is a collection of interrelated data. That means it is a collection of similar types or kinds of data related to each other or associated with a mutual point of information.
For Example: Let's suppose we have a Student Data Bases, One Mentioning the Subjects of the Student and Another with the City.
| ID | Name | Subjects |
| 1 | Rahu | Physical Education |
| 2 | Raj | Maths |
| 3 | Riti | Computer Science |
| ID | Name | City |
| 1 | Rahul | Delhi |
| 2 | Raj | Kolkata |
| 3 | Riti | Mumbai |
These two Databases have Information for the same students, Hence they are interrelated and can also be stored as Follows.
| ID | NAME | SUBJECT | CITY |
| 1 | Rahul | Physical Education | Delhi |
| 2 | Raj | Maths | Kolkata |
| 3 | Riti | Computer Science | Mumbai |
What are File Systems
It is an approach used by operating systems for organising and storing data on storage units like hard drives and SSDs in the form of files.
Then why Do we Need Databases?
- Besides being a useful form of storing data, file systems also have some drawbacks that make it a naive approach over Databases.
Drawbacks of file systems
Data redundancy
Data redundancy is a situation that occurs in a database when a field needs to be updated in more than one table. This practice can lead to several problems such as:
Inconsistency in data format
The same information is kept in several different places (files)
Data inconsistency, a situation where various copies of the same data are conflicting, wastes storage space and duplicates effort
Data isolation
Data stored in a file system is not easily integrated with other data. Files can be stored in various formats (like text, binary), and on disparate systems, making combining data from different sources challenging.
Integrity problems
It refers to the maintenance and assurance that the data in a database are correct and consistent. Factors to consider when addressing this issue are:
Data values must satisfy certain consistency constraints that are specified in the application programs.
It is difficult to make changes to the application programs to enforce new constraints.
Security problems
There are constraints regarding accessing privileges. Application requirements are added to the system in an ad-hoc manner so it is difficult to enforce constraints.
What is a Database Management System?
A Database is a place where a user can interact with the data, perform CRUD and many other Operations on the Data and Manipulate it accordingly.
It provides us an environment where we can Access, Save, Retrieve, Update and Manage Data Effectively and Securely using One or a combination of various Software programs
DBMS provides us with some rules and regulations that are necessary to uphold and Maintain the database Effectively.
Applications of DBMS
• Schools and Colleges - DBMS is used to create and maintain a student information system that stores student records, including personal details, academic performance, attendance, and extracurricular activities.
• Banks - DBMS maintains a centralised and secure database of customer information, including personal details, account numbers, contact information, and transaction history.