Answer: The framework for storing records in a database is generally referred to as a database management system (DBMS). A database management system is a software system that provides an interface to interact with the database, allowing users and applications to store, retrieve, update, and manage data efficiently.
The DBMS provides several essential functionalities, including:
Data Definition Language (DDL): It allows users to define the structure of the database, including creating and modifying tables, defining relationships between tables, and establishing constraints.
Data Manipulation Language (DML): This language allows users to insert, update, delete, and retrieve data from the database. Common DML commands include INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and SELECT.
Data Query Language (DQL): DQL is a subset of DML and is specifically used for querying data from the database. The most common DQL command is SELECT, which retrieves data based on specified criteria.
Data Control Language (DCL): DCL is used to manage permissions and access control for the database. It includes commands such as GRANT, REVOKE, and DENY to provide or revoke access rights to users and roles.
Transaction Management: DBMS ensures the proper execution and management of transactions, ensuring data integrity and consistency. Transactions are sequences of one or more database operations that are executed as a single unit.
Data Integrity and Constraints: DBMS enforces data integrity rules, ensuring that the data stored in the database meets specified constraints and validation rules.
Indexing and Query Optimization: DBMS uses indexing techniques to improve query performance, making data retrieval faster and more efficient.
Examples of popular database management systems include:
- MySQL
- PostgreSQL
- Oracle Database
- Microsoft SQL Server
- SQLite
- MongoDB (a NoSQL database management system)
Each of these DBMS options has its strengths and is suited for different use cases based on factors like scalability, performance, data structure, and required functionalities.