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LANGUAGETO GENERATE INFORMATION)

A database is an organized collection of data. The data is typically organized to model

relevant aspects of reality (for example, the availability of rooms in hotels), in a way that
supports processes requiring this information (for example, finding a hotel with vacancies).

A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed,

managed, and updated. In one view, databases can be classified according to types of
content: bibliographic, full-text, numeric, and images.
In computing, databases are sometimes classified according to their organizational
approach. The most prevalent approach is the relational database, a tabular database in
which data is defined so that it can be reorganized and accessed in a number of different
ways. A distributed database is one that can be dispersed or replicated among different
points in a network. An object-oriented programming database is one that is congruent with
the data defined in object classes and subclasses.
Computer databases typically contain aggregations of data records or files, such as sales
transactions, product catalogs and inventories, and customer profiles. Typically, a database
manager provides users the capabilities of controlling read/write access, specifying report
generation, and analyzing usage. Databases and database managers are prevalent in
largemainframe systems, but are also present in smaller distributed workstation and midrange systems such as the AS/400 and on personal computers. SQL (Structured Query
Language) is a standard language for making interactive queries from and updating a
database such as IBM's DB2, Microsoft's SQL Server, and database products
from Oracle, Sybase, and Computer Associates.

database management system

A collection of programs that enables you to store, modify, and extract information from
a database. There are many different types of DBMSs, ranging from
small systems that run on personal computers to huge systems that run on mainframes. The
following are examples of database applications:
computerized library systems
automated teller machines
flight reservation systems
computerized parts inventory systems

From a technical standpoint, DBMSs can differ widely. The

terms relational,network, flat, and hierarchicalall refer to the way a DBMS organizes
information internally. The internal organization can affect how quickly and flexibly you can
extract information.
Requests for information from a database are made in the form of a query, which is a
stylized question. For example, the query
SELECT ALL WHERE NAME = "SMITH" AND AGE > 35
requests all records in which the NAME field is SMITH and the AGE field is greater than 35.
The set of rules for constructing queries is known as a query language. Different
DBMSs support different query languages, although there is a semi-standardized query
language called SQL (structured query language). Sophisticated languages for managing
database systems are called fourth-generation languages, or 4GLsfor short.
The information from a database can be presented in a variety of formats. Most DBMSs
include a report writer program that enables you to output data in the form of a report. Many
DBMSs also include a graphicscomponent that enables you to output information in the form
of graphs and charts.