Databases :: essays research papers

databases The Many Faces of Databases boastful databases can contain hundreds of interrelated files. Fortunately a database management schema can shield users from the complex inner workings of the system, providing them with only the cultivation and commands they need to get their jobs done. In fact, a well-designed database puts on different faces for different classes of users. Downsizing and Decentralizing The earliest file management programs could only do batch touch, which required users to accumulate transactions and feed them into computers in outstanding batches. These batch systems werent able to provide the kind of immediate feedback we expect today. like a shot disk drives, inexpensive memory, and sophisticated softwargon have allowed moveive processing to replace batch processing for close applications. Users can now interact with data through terminals, viewing and changing values in accredited time. Batch processing is still utilise for printing periodic b ills, invoices, and reports and for do backup copies of data files. except for applications that demand immediacy, such as skyway 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 centralized database on a mainframe system is no longer the norm. Some companies use a client/server approach Database software in client background knowledge computers works with files stored in central server databases on mainframes, minicomputers, or screen background computers. Other companies use distributed databases that use data strewn out across networks on several different computers. From the users point of view, the differences between these approaches may not be apparent. Tomorrows Databases? Many computer scientists believe that the relational data model may be supplanted in the next decade by an object-orie nted data model, and that most future databases will be object-oriented databases rather than relational 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 often are used in conjunction with object-oriented programming languages. Tomorrows databases will be able to do intelligently to commands and queries issued in natural human language. Rules of Thumb 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 rough how youll get the information out before you put it in. o spark with a plan, and be prepared to change it.