DBMS Tutorial

Database Management Systems: data models, ER diagrams, keys, normalization, transactions and concurrency control.

A database is an organised collection of related data. A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that stores, retrieves, updates and protects that data. Examples include MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle and SQL Server.

DBMS vs File System

Problem in file systemsHow a DBMS solves it
Data redundancy and inconsistencyCentralised data, normalization
Difficult data accessQuery languages (SQL)
Integrity problemsConstraints (keys, CHECK)
Atomicity problemsTransactions (ACID)
Concurrent-access anomaliesConcurrency control (locking)
Security problemsUsers, roles, GRANT/REVOKE

Database Languages

  • DDL (Data Definition): CREATE, ALTER, DROP, TRUNCATE
  • DML (Data Manipulation): SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
  • DCL (Data Control): GRANT, REVOKE
  • TCL (Transaction Control): COMMIT, ROLLBACK, SAVEPOINT

Database Users

Database Administrator (DBA), application programmers, sophisticated users (who write queries) and naive end users (who use forms and apps).

Track your progress through the DBMS course