12 Most Important Characteristics Of DBMS

A database is an assortment of related information which addresses some part of the real world. Data aids in producing information, which is based on reality and has factual data. A database framework is intended to be constructed and populated with information for a specific assignment. "Database Management System (DBMS) is a software that permits the users to create, update, erase and retrieve the data or the records put away. It allows users to manipulate data as well as to make databases according to their prerequisites."

DBMS likewise boasts of some special features which a customary data storage space or an old data stockpiling framework can't give like Data Security and Data Protection. Nowadays, there are numerous Database Management Systems accessible on the lookout. The software package aids in communicating with the database by holding up operations that include creating, updating, deletion, fetching, viewing, manipulating, and administering the database system.

It usually comes with preset tools, functions, and operations that can be used for defining and retrieving data along with managing the access permissions for the database. Data and the tables in a database can be manipulated with these tools. Various common query languages like SQL and T-SQL are used to carry out all of the aforementioned functions. MYSQL, Oracle, MS-Access, SQLite, Maria DB, and PostgreSQL are some of the most popular and commonly used Database Management Systems.

Also read: Guide 101: DBMS advantages and disadvantages, applications and top resources for preparation

The next question that arises is what are the various features and characteristics of a modern DBMS, and how can it be useful to perform specific data-related tasks. Let's proceed to know more!

What are the characteristics of DBMS software?

1. Real-world entity

Data management systems have been designed keeping in mind the needs of business organizations. They help businesses manage large amounts of data efficiently. These systems store huge volumes of data and provide easy ways to search through them. Some examples of such applications are Microsoft Access, Oracle, MySQL, etc.

2. Relational databases

Relational databases were first introduced in the 1970s. In this type of database, each record contains fields called attributes. Each attribute represents one piece of information about a particular object.

For example:

If you want to keep track of your personal details then you will need three different attributes namely name, address, phone number. All of these attributes together form a single row in a table. This means that every time we add new information into our database, we must insert multiple rows into the same table.

If we do not follow this rule then we may end up having duplicate entries in our database. So relational databases allow us to organize data using relations between objects.

3. Structured query language

Structured Query Language was developed in the 1980s. It provides a way to write queries against a database. Queries written in SQL are known as structured queries because they use predefined structures to define relationships among entities.

An example would be:

SELECT * FROM employees WHERE department 'IT'. Here, the word ‘*’ stands for all columns from the employee table. We can also specify only certain columns while selecting other ones.

Another important feature of SQL is its ability to combine two statements into one statement.

For instance:

SELECT emp_name + ','+ dept_name AS full_name FROM employees; gives us the result as John Doe, IT.

4. Isolation of data and application

A database system is not the same thing as its data. A database works and organizes, whereas data is said to be passive. Metadata, which is data about data, is stored by the database management system.

Also, in a traditional file management system, the structure of data files is defined in the application programs so the user had to change everything. But in DBMS, the structure of data files is not stored in the program but it is stored in the system catalog. Internal improvement of data efficiency or any changes in the data doesn't have an effect on application software with the help of this- that is, it offers insulation between Data and Program.

5. ACID properties

DBMS adheres to the concepts of Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability, or ACID Properties. These concepts are applied to transactions, which operate and play around with data in a database. In multi-transactional environments, ACID properties help the database stay healthy in case of failure.

6. Multiuser and concurrent access

Data can be accessed and manipulated in parallel with the help of the DBMS. Users are unaware of the restrictions on transactions when handling the same data item.

DBMS offers multiple views for various clients. A client who is in the Sales division will have an alternate perspective on the database than an individual working in the Production office. This component empowers the clients to have a concentrated perspective on the database as indicated by their prerequisites.

7. Object oriented programming

Object oriented programming is another technique used to design programs. Objects contain properties and methods. Properties represent variables or constants which hold values. Methods are procedures that operate on those properties. The main advantage of OOP over procedural programming is that it allows developers to create reusable components by encapsulating their functionality within classes. Classes are collections of related code and data elements. Developers can reuse existing classes instead of writing similar pieces of code again and again.

8. Transactional processing

Transactions are an essential part of any application. Transactions ensure consistency across multiple users accessing the system at the same time. When transactions fail due to errors, the entire transaction should roll back so that no changes made during the failed operation remain permanent. Transaction processing ensures that when there is a problem, everything remains consistent.

9. Data mining

Data mining refers to techniques used to analyze vast quantities of unstructured data. There are many types of data mining algorithms like classification, clustering, association rules, regression analysis, decision trees, neural networks, genetic algorithms, etc.

Classification involves grouping records based on some common characteristics.
Clustering groups records with similar features under one category. Association rules look for patterns in sets of items and suggest possible combinations of items that occur frequently together.
Regression analysis finds trends in numeric data.
Decision tree classifies records according to various factors.
The neural network uses artificial intelligence to learn how to classify records.
The genetic algorithm helps find optimal solutions to problems.

10. Distributed database systems

Distributed databases store information across several computers connected through a computer network. This type of architecture makes it easy to add more servers without having to rebuild the whole software infrastructure. A distributed database has three parts: client applications, server applications, and shared storage. Client applications access the shared storage using standard protocols such as TCP/IP. Server applications provide services to clients. Shared storage provides persistent storage space where all the data resides. In addition, each node stores metadata about other nodes in the cluster.

11. Less redundancy and consistency

The DBMS follows the rules of normalization, which splits a relation when there is more than one attribute with the same value. Normalization is a method of reducing data redundancy. Every relation in a database is consistent, that's the state of consistency. Attempts to leave databases in different states can be detected with methods and techniques. A database management system can give greater consistency than earlier forms of data storage.

12. Data security and integrity

DBMS gives security to the information put away in this is on the grounds that all clients have different rights to access the database. A portion of the client can get to the entire information in the database while others can get to a small segment of the database.

For instance, a fluid mechanics instructor can only access those documents that are identified with his subject, however, the HOD of the division can get to records of all subjects that are identified with their department.

One of the main attributes of a database management system (DBMS)-integrity guarantees the quality and dependability of the database framework. It protects from unapproved access to the database and makes it safer. It allows only consistent and exact information into the database.

This sums up all the major characteristics of a Database Management System. If you wish to ask or add your inputs, let us know in the comment section below.

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Shreeya Thakur

Sr. Associate Content Writer at Unstop

I am a biotechnologist-turned-content writer and try to add an element of science in my writings wherever possible. Apart from writing, I like to cook, read and travel.