DBMS - database management system

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Related Terms

• database
• database engine
• database software
• database server
• RDBMS - relational database management system
• JDBC - Java Database Connectivity
• configuration management database
• distributed database
• multidimensional DBMS
• DB2 - Database 2

By Vangie Beal A database management system (DBMS) is 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 hierarchical all refer to the way a DBMS organizes information internally. The internal organization can affect how quickly and flexibly you can extract information.

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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 graphics component that enables you to output information in the form of graphs and charts.

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Related Links

• Database Journal
• Top 10 Enterprise Database Systems to Consider
• Object Database Management Group

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