What is a Database Management System?

Question

I understand that this is the software that handles a databank and so on, but is this a software that is sold on stores and that companies buy or is this something that specific companies build and code their own DBMS?

or is there some kind of core structure and then it is used and expanded according to a specific company's uses?

Thanks. I'm just confused as to what exactly it is. Not what it does, but what is it. Who programs it, where? what are some DBMS out? and so on.

Answer 1

Hi buddy,

Database Management System is not a software or some kind of application. Its just a concept, It says how data are to be stored, maintained, modified or retrieved, etc.

Ms Access, Oracle, etc are the softwares that come with the implementation of the Database Management System Concepts, where u can store ur data, retrieve it, delete it, etc. These softwares are bought by companies and are used for their database management.

Answer 2

Kind of like MS Access but on a larger scale. You use a DBMS to set up the tables and relationships between tables. You can also specify the valid values for the various fields in each table. Usually the Database manager and/or Applications manager sets up the database based on the needs of the application. Depending on the size and the volume of updates, database management can be a fulltime job.

Some common DBMSs include: MS SQL, Oracle, IBM DB2 and a freebee called MySQL.

Answer 3

It looks like you have pretty well answered your own question.

However, two well-known programs come to mind - Excel and Access - both Microsoft. Excel can be used to track records of individuals but its primary purpose is to generate spreadsheets. Access is a powerful program and has many capabilites. Of course, each company/industry/hospital/university/whatever would setup its datafile according to its own specific needs.

Check this link for an explanation and diagram.


http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/d/database.html