Database Management System (DBMS)

The Data Base Management System (DBMS) is an application program that provides an interface between the operating system and the user in order to make access to the data as simple as possible. It has several other functions as well, and these are descried below.

1.      Data Storage, retrieval and update: The DBMS must allow users to store retrieve and update information as easily as possible, without having to be aware of the internal structure of the database.

2.      Creation and maintenance of the data directory.

3.      Managing the facilities for sharing the database: The DBMS has to ensure that problems do not arise when two people simultaneously access a record and try to update it.

4.      Backup and recovery. The DBMS must provide the ability to recover the database in the event of system failure.

5.      Security. The DBMS must handle password allocation and checking, and the ‘view’ of the database that a given user is allowed.