Page 443 - Computer_Science_F5

Computer Science 2. How can a database system streamline the process of managing
academic records compared to manual methods?
3. What are the essential features and functionalities that a database
designed for academic records management should possess?
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY

Database system vs. file-based and flash drives. Database System
system (DBMS): Software to access,

A database is a structured collection of create, and maintain databases.
related data, organised for easy retrieval, (b) Disaster recovery: File-based
reflecting real-world information systems lack this mechanism, while
accurately. For example, names, phone DBMS provides it.
numbers, and addresses stored in a (c) Transaction transfer: Complex
mobile phone’s database software or in file-based systems but easy with
using software like Microsoft Access or DBMS using SQL.
MySQL. A database must be accurate
and reliable, updating immediately as (d) Concurrency: Not offered in file-
changes occur. This is true for complex based systems; provided by DBMS.
databases like government payment (e) Data redundancy and
systems, social media platforms, inconsistency: File-based systems
e-commerce sites, and search engines, suffer from redundancy and
which handle millions to billions of inconsistency as the same data
constantly changing records. is stored in different programs.
DBMS reduces these issues by
In contrast, a file-based system organises centralizing data storage, allowing
small groups of data and is defined consistent updates accessible by all
in application manuals for specific applications.
functions. The following are the main
differences, which are also shown in
Figure 8.1(a) and (b) The following summary highlights the
(a) File-based system: Organises files key differences and advantages of using
on storage media like hard disks a DBMS over a file-based system.

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for Advanced Secondary Schools

Computer Science Form 5.indd 434 23/07/2024 12:34