It refers to the software used to manage the database.

Database Management: Is a computer software made for organizing, analyzing and modifying the information stored in a database. It is a set of programs that helps in controlling the organization's storage and retrieval of data in a database. It helps manage the design process and builds a bridge between the design chain and extended enterprise for optimal design and resource management.

USES OF A DBMS It manages the following: The structure of individual files Relationships between data items and data files How data is integrated Properties of a database

Types Of DBMSs Hierarchical database management systems Network database management systems Relational database systems

Examples of DBMS: Oracle Microsoft Access Microsoft SQL server Firebird FileMaker

Hierarchical database management systems Its main use is in folder/file organisation like the folder structure used on Windows operating system. It uses tree-like structure similar to a family tree system. It allows fast access to data but large amounts of data are bypassed as levels increase They are no longer used because they use a one way relationship.

Network Database Management Systems It is mainly used by distributed database systems Parts of a database are stored on smaller database linked through WANs or LANS Many of the parts are duplicated so data is less likely to be lost It appears to the user to be a single system Duplication enables faster processing It is an old technology that is still widely used

Relational Database Systems It consists of a number of tables that are related in some way Each table has a key field Data from one table can be combined with data from other tables for creating reports e.g from a grdaes and personal details table The standard programming language for relational tables is the structured query language(SQL).

MICROSOFT ACCESS SCREEN SHOTS:

Advantages of Relational Database Mangement Systems Data is not repeated and therefore does not waste valuable resources Separate tables connected by a key field are used Data retrieval is also quicker Data is not duplicated across several files which is more secure. There is room for expansion. The database can be extended with more data and tables