Database Users and Administrators

     

    In a database management system (DBMS), database users and administrators play crucial roles in ensuring effective data management, security, and system performance.

    Database Users:

     

    Users of a database system can be categorized based on their roles and level of expertise:

    1. Naive Users: These are individuals who are not familiar with computers and interact with the database system through pre-defined application programs. For example, a bank teller using a program to transfer money between accounts.

    2. Application Programmers: They are computer professionals who develop software applications that interact with databases. They use tools like Rapid Application Development (RAD) to create user interfaces without extensive programming.

    3. Sophisticated Users: These users have knowledge of database query languages and can retrieve information from the database without programming. They use query processors to execute Data Manipulation Language (DML) statements for data analysis.

    4. Specialized Users: Advanced users who develop non-traditional database applications such as computer-aided design systems, knowledge bases, and systems for storing complex data types like audio/visual data.

    Database Administrators (DBA):

     

    The Database Administrator (DBA) is responsible for managing the overall database system. Their duties include:

    • Defining Schema: Creating the initial database schema using Data Definition Language (DDL) to define tables and their relationships, stored in the data dictionary.

    • Defining Storage Structure and Access Methods: Determining the appropriate storage structures and access methods for efficient data storage and retrieval.

    • Modification of Schema and Physical Organization: Making changes to the database schema and physical organization based on organizational needs or performance optimization.

    • Permission Management: Granting permissions to users to access specific parts of the database and ensuring data security.

    • Integrity Constraint Management: Defining integrity constraints to maintain data consistency and ensuring they are enforced by the database system.

    • Regular Maintenance: Performing regular maintenance tasks such as database backups, monitoring performance, managing disk space, and optimizing database jobs to maintain system efficiency.

    In summary, database users interact with the system based on their roles and expertise levels, while the database administrator oversees the entire system’s management, including schema design, access control, integrity enforcement, and system maintenance.