Database Management System Vs File Management System By perwez

A Database Management System (DMS) is a combination of computer software, hardware, and information designed to electronically manipulate data via computer processing. Two types of database management systems are DBMSs and FMSs. In simple terms, a File Management System (FMS) is a Database Management System that allows access to single files or tables at a time. FMSs accommodate flat files that have no relation to other files. The FMS was the predecessor for the Database Management System (DBMS), which allows access to multiple files or tables at a time (see Figure 1 below)

File Management Systems Advantages Disadvantages Typically does not support multi -user Simpler to use access Less expensive Limited to smaller databases Limited functionality (i.e. no support Fits the needs of many small businesses for complicated transactions, recovery, and home users etc.)

Popular FMSs are packaged along with the operating systems of personal Decentralization of data computers (i.e. Microsoft Cardfile and Microsoft Works) Good for database solutions for hand Redundancy and Integrity issues held devices such as Palm Pilot Typically, File Management Systems provide the following advantages and disadvantages: The goals of a File Management System can be summarized as follows (Calleri, 2001):
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Data Management. An FMS should provide data management services to the application.

Generality with respect to storage devices. The FMS data abstractions and access methods should remain unchanged irrespective of the devices involved in data storage. Validity. An FMS should guarantee that at any given moment the stored data reflect the operations performed on them. Protection. Illegal or potentially dangerous operations on the data should be controlled by the FMS. Concurrency. In multiprogramming systems, concurrent access to the data should be allowed with minimal differences. Performance. Compromise data access speed and data transfer rate with functionality. From the point of view of an end user (or application) an FMS typically provides the following functionalities (Calleri, 2001):

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File creation, modification and de letion. Ownership of files and access control on the basis of ownership permissions. Facilities to structure data within files (predefined record formats, etc). Facilities for maintaining data redundancies against technical failure (back ups, disk mirroring, etc.). Logical identification and structuring of the data, via file names and hierarchical directory structures.
Database Management Systems

Database Management Systems provide the following advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages Greater flexibility Disadvantages Difficult to learn Packaged separately from the operating system (i.e. Oracle, Microsoft Access, Lotus/IBM Approach, Borland Paradox, Claris FileMaker Pro)

Good for larger databases Greater processing power Fits the needs of many medium to large-sized organizations

Slower processing speeds Requires skilled administrators

Storage for all relevant data Provides user views relevant to tasks performed Ensures data integrity by managing transactions (ACID test = atomicity, consistency, isolation, durability) Supports simultaneous access Enforces design criteria in relation to data format and structure Provides backup and recovery controls Advanced security

Expensive

The goals of a Database Management System can be summarized as follows (Connelly, Begg, and Strachan, 1999, pps. 54 60):
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Data storage, retrieval, and update (while hiding the internal physical implementation details) A user-accessible catalog Transaction support Concurrency control services (multi-user update functionality) Recovery services (damaged database must be returned to a consistent state) Authorization services (security) Support for data communication Integrity services (i.e. constraints) Services to promote data independence Utility services (i.e. importing, monitoring, performance, record deletion, etc.) The components to facilitate the goals of a DBMS may include the following:

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Query processor Data Manipulation Language preprocessor Database manager (software components to include authorization control, command processor, integrity checker, query optimizer, transaction manager, scheduler, recovery manager, and buffer manager) Data Definition Language compiler File manager

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