Database Management System (DBMS)

What is a database management system (DBMS)?

A database management system (DBMS) is software for creating and managing databases. A DBMS enables end users to create, protect, read, update and delete data in a database. It also manages security, data integrity and concurrency for databases.

What does a DBMS do?

A DBMS manages the data. The database engine enables data to be accessed, locked and modified and the database schema defines the database's logical structure.

These three foundational data elements help provide concurrency, security, data integrity and uniform data administration procedures.

The following are common functions that a DBMS performs:

• Administration tasks
• Storage
• Concurrency control
• Centralized view
• Data manipulation
• Data independence
• Backup and recovery

What are the components of a DBMS?

A DBMS is a sophisticated piece of system software consisting of multiple integrated components that deliver a consistent, managed environment for creating, accessing and modifying data in databases. These components include the following:

• Storage engine
• Metadata catalog
• Database access language
• Optimization engine
• Query processor
• Lock manager
• Log manager
• Data utilities
• Reporting and monitoring tools