Advantages of Database Approach
- Redundancy can be reduced
- In a file processing system, each user group maintains its own files, resulting in a considerable amount of redundancy of the stored data. In database approach data can be stored at a single place or with controlled redundancy under DBMS.
- Inconsistency can be avoided
- A database is said to be inconsistent, when there will be occasions on which the redundant entries will not agree. A database that is in an inconsistent state is capable of supplying incorrect or conflict information.
- The data can be shared
- A DBMS allows the sharing of database under its control by any number of applications programs or users. The data requirements of new applications may be satisfied without having to create any new stored files.
- Standard can be enforced
- With central control of the database, the DBA can ensure that all applicable standards are followed in the representation of the data.
- Standards => company, installation, departmental, industry, national and international standards.
- Data Independence
- Data Dependence => the knowledge of the data organization and access technique is built into the application logic. It is impossible to change the storage structure or access strategy without affecting the application.
- Security restrictions can be applied
- DBA can define authorization checks to be carried out whenever access to sensitive data is attempted.
- Different checks can be established for each type of access to each piece of information in the database.
- Integrity can be maintained
- Data integrity refers to the correctness and completeness of data in a database=> by providing
- Checks
- Constraints
- Multiple user interfaces
- A DBMS provides a variety of interfaces
- Query language
- Programming language interfaces
- Forms and codes
- Menu driven interfaces
- Improved Backup and Recovery
- A backup and recovery subsystem is responsible for recovering data from hardware and software failures.
- Support for Concurrent Transactions
- A DBMS allows multiple transactions to occur simultaneously.
- Conflicting requirements can be balanced
- By knowing the overall requirements of the enterprise – the DBA can structure the database system to provide an overall service that is “best for the enterprise”.