Explain what is meant by a database management system, and contrast it with a File Management System. Give a full account of the type of system structure you might expect for a Database Management System, and outline the type of facilities such a system should provide If you were in the position of appraising an application for possible implementation using a Database Management System, what aspects of the application would you consider with respect to the advice you might give?.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

First part: For a DBMS, the emphasis is on the management of a collection of data as a resource
that is accessible to different users for different purposes. In contrast, a File Management System
(FMS) manages a collection of files for a specific purpose. Different FMSs have their own
collection of files and cannot share data. Additional details should focus on aspects such as data
redundancy, data sharing, data independence.
Second part: A diagram illustrating typical system structure would be useful. It should show the
DBMS as a suite of programs/modules, each with specific functions. Following on from this, the
typical facilities provided can be described.
Third part: Perhaps consider: how many users there are requiring different data, the type of
application it is (such as, interactive with many screens), is it part of a larger set of applications, is
it likely to be extended in the future, are the data relationships complex, are various integrity
controls needed.