databasesThe many facets of databases Large databases can contain hundreds of interrelated files. Fortunately, a database management system can protect users from the complex inner workings of the system, providing them with only the information and commands they need to accomplish their jobs. In fact, a well-designed database presents different faces to different categories of users. Downsizing and Decentralization Early file management programs could only do batch processing, requiring users to accumulate transactions and feed them into computers in large batches. These batch systems were not able to provide the kind of immediate feedback we expect today. Today, disk drives, inexpensive memory, and sophisticated software have allowed interactive processing to replace batch processing for most applications. Users can now interact with data through terminals, viewing and modifying values ​​in real time. Batch processing is still used to print invoices and periodic reports and to make backup copies of data files. But for applications that demand immediacy, such as airline reservations, banking transactions, etc., interactive, multi-user database systems have taken over. Until recently, most databases were hosted on mainframe computers. But for a growing number of organizations, the traditional centralized database on a mainframe system is no longer the norm. Some companies use a client/server approach: database software installed on client desktop computers works with files stored in central server databases on mainframes, minicomputers, or desktop computers. Other companies use distributed databases that use data spread across networks on several different computers. From a user perspective, the differences between these approaches may not be apparent. The databases of tomorrow? Many computer scientists believe that the relational data model may be supplanted in the next decade by an object-oriented data model and that most future databases will be object-oriented databases rather than relational databases. Instead of storing records in tables and hierarchies, object-oriented databases store software objects containing procedures (or instructions) as well as data. Object-oriented databases are often used in conjunction with object-oriented programming languages. Tomorrow's databases will be able to respond intelligently to commands and queries issued in natural human language. Rules of Thumb: Database Management Here are some common sense rules when working with file managers or relational database management systems: o Choose the right tool for the job. o Think about how you will deliver the information before you insert it. o Start with a plan and be prepared to modify it..