General Introduction
Databases are fundamental components in managing, and retrieving data modern information systems , serving as essential tools for storing, in an efficient and organized manner. In an era where data plays a critical role in decision-making, communication, and business operations, understanding how databases work is crucial for both technical and non-technical users.
Before the widespread adoption of databases, organizations relied on traditional data. These systems often led to significant challenges, including file-based systems data redundancy to handle their , inconsistency, limited accessibility, and a high degree of dependency between data and the software applications that processed it. For example, updating or modifying information in one file did not automatically update the same data in another, leading to duplication and potential errors. Furthermore, as systems grew in size and complexity, maintaining these file-based systems became increasingly difficult and inefficient. To address these limitations, the concept of and centralized environment database systems was introduced.
A database provides a structured for organizing data, allowing multiple users and applications to access and manipulate the same set of information without conflict or redundancy. By separating data from the application logic and introducing standardized methods for data handling, databases ensure improved performance, data integrity, security, and ease of use.
This module aims to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of databases components, advantages, and real-world applications , including their architecture key. It will also explore how databases are designed, implemented, and maintained, providing a solid foundation for more advanced study in data management and information systems