Why Databases

Data is numeric, textual, visual, or audio information that describes real-world systems. Data is collected and processed to aid in a variety of tasks, such as forecasting weather, analyzing financial investments, and tracking the global spread of pandemics.

A database is a shared, integrated computer structure that stores a collection of the following:

A database system, also known as a database management system or DBMS, is software that reads and writes data in a database. Database systems ensure data is secure, internally consistent, and always available. These functions are challenging for large databases with many users, so database systems are complex.

A database management system (DBMS) is a collection of programs that manages the database structure and controls access to the data stored in the database

A query is a request to retrieve or change data in a database. A query language is a specialized programming language, designed specifically for database systems. Query languages read and write data efficiently, and differ significantly from general-purpose languages such as Python, Java, and C++.

A database application is software that helps business users interact with database systems. Many databases are complex, and most users are not familiar with query languages. Consequently, direct database access is usually not feasible. Instead, programmers write applications to simplify the user experience and ensure data access is efficient and secure.

Advantages of a DBMS

The DBMS presents the end user with a single, integrated view of the data in the database
A DBMS provides the following advantages:
- Improved data sharing
- Improved data security
- Better data integration
- Minimized data inconsistency
- Improved data access
- Improved decision making
- Increased end-user productivity