Database Management System (DBMS)

Definition: A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that allows users to create, organize, query, and manage data in a secure, efficient, and consistent way. It acts as an intermediary layer between users/applications and the stored data.

Main Functions

Definition and creation of databases (tables, schemas, indexes).
Data manipulation: inserting, querying, modifying, and deleting data using languages such as SQL.
Concurrency control: ensures simultaneous access by multiple users without conflicts.
Integrity and consistency: enforces rules so data remains reliable.
Security: manages users, roles, and access permissions.
Recovery: backups and restoration in case of errors or failures.

Examples of DBMS

Relational (RDBMS): MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server.

NoSQL: MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis.

Cloud-based: Google BigQuery, Amazon Aurora, Snowflake.

Practical Example

In a hotel booking system, a DBMS like MySQL organizes data into tables (Customers, Rooms, Bookings) and enables queries such as: “Which rooms are available next weekend?”. The DBMS also ensures that two people cannot book the same room at the same time.

See also: Data Access Concurrency, SQL.

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