Question

Define the following terms: data, database, DBMS, database system, database catalog, program-data independence, user view, DBA, end user, canned transaction, deductive database system, persistent object, meta-data, and transaction-processing application.

Answer 1

Answer:

data - Any form of value in a column of a table in a relational database.

DBMS - Short for Database management system, which is a software that can be used to create, manipulate and view databases, e.g. MS SQL Server.

database system - Same as DBMS.

database catalog - Place where the metadata of a Database including its tables, users etc. exists, e.g. date created, size, number of columns etc. Also known as Data Dictionary.

program-data independence - Program-data independence refers to the design of keeping different levels of database (external, logical and physical) separate and loosely coupled from each other, for easier maintenance or modification work.

DBA - Short for Database Administrator, person responsible for maintaining the database. Its main responsibility is to keep the data clean and safe i.e. data doesn't contain wrong or invalid data, and is safe from viruses and is backed up.

end user - Anyone who is not directly interacting with a database, but through some software, like website or mobile application.

persistent object - An object of a class in a program, that interacts with the underlying database and is responsible for manipulating the database, the program is connected to.

transaction-processing system - A transaction process system is part of a software, responsible for making sure critical business transactions, like crediting or debiting money, either goes through cleanly or doesn't at all.