Database and DBMS Notes for SSC Exams

Database and DBMS are asked in SSC Computer Knowledge in the form of definitions, the meaning of keys and the full form of SQL. These database and DBMS notes for SSC explain all the important terms with tables and practice questions. Read it with the Computer Software Notes and MS Office Notes notes.

What Is a Database?

• A database is an organised collection of related data stored so that it can be easily accessed, managed and updated.
• A DBMS (Database Management System) is software that creates and manages databases. Examples: MS Access, MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL.
• An RDBMS (Relational DBMS) stores the data in tables. This model was proposed by E. F. Codd in 1970.

Database Terms

Advantages of DBMS

• Reduces data redundancy (repeating the same data).
• Keeps the data consistent and secure.
• Allows many users to share the data at the same time.
• Makes it easy to search, sort and report the data.

SQL (Structured Query Language)

SQL is the standard language used to work with relational databases. Its commands are grouped as DDL (CREATE, ALTER, DROP), DML (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) and DCL (GRANT, REVOKE).

MS Access and Data Models

• MS Access is the database software of MS Office. Its file extension is .accdb (older: .mdb).
• The main objects of Access are tables, queries, forms, reports and macros.
• Data models: hierarchical (tree), network, relational (tables) and object-oriented. The relational model is the most popular.
• A data warehouse stores large data from many sources for analysis, and data mining finds hidden patterns in it.

Important Questions Explained

Question 1: What is the software used to create and manage databases called?
Answer: A DBMS (Database Management System).

Question 2: Which key uniquely identifies each record in a table?
Answer: The primary key.

Question 3: What is the full form of SQL?
Answer: Structured Query Language.

Question 4: Which SQL command is used to get data from a table?
Answer: SELECT.

Question 5: What is a row in a database table called?
Answer: A record (or tuple).

Question 6: Which MS Office program is a database software?
Answer: MS Access.

Quick Tips to Remember

• Remember "primary key = unique and not empty".
• Link a table with rows (records) and columns (fields).
• Learn the four basic SQL commands: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE.
• Link E. F. Codd with the relational model.
• Remember MS Access as the database in MS Office.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing a record (row) with a field (column).
• Writing the primary key as a field that can repeat.
• Confusing DBMS with RDBMS.
• Writing SQL as Simple Query Language.
• Confusing a query with a report.

Quick Revision Points

• DBMS manages databases; RDBMS uses tables.
• Row = record = tuple; column = field = attribute.
• Primary key is unique; foreign key links tables.
• SQL = Structured Query Language; SELECT gets data.
• MS Access: .accdb.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. What is the full form of DBMS?
   Answer: Database Management System (Manages databases).
2. A column in a table is called?
   Answer: Field (Attribute).
3. A row in a table is called?
   Answer: Record (Tuple).
4. Which key is unique for each record?
   Answer: Primary key (Cannot be null).
5. What does SQL stand for?
   Answer: Structured Query Language (Database language).
6. Which command adds new data to a table?
   Answer: INSERT (DML).
7. Which model stores the data in tables?
   Answer: Relational model (E. F. Codd).
8. Which is a database software of MS Office?
   Answer: MS Access (.accdb).
9. A request for data from a database is called?
   Answer: Query (SELECT).
10. Repeating the same data many times is called?
    Answer: Data redundancy (DBMS reduces it).

How to Practise This Chapter

1. Read the tables once and learn the key facts by heart.
2. Revise the quick revision points the next day.
3. Attempt the practice questions above without looking at the answers.
4. Solve a full SSC CGL Tier 1 mini mock to test your general awareness.
5. Check the previous year papers to see how SSC asks computer questions.

Related Notes and Practice Papers

• Computer Software Notes
• MS Office Notes
• MS Excel Notes
• Computer Knowledge Notes for SSC
• SSC CGL Tier 1 Mini Mock

Explore More SSC Subjects

SSC exams test many subjects, so connect this topic with the related subjects below:

• General Science Notes
• General Awareness Notes
• Quantitative Aptitude Notes
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• Electrical Engineering (SSC JE) Notes
• All SSC subjects and notes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a database?

A database is an organised collection of related data that can be easily stored, searched and updated.

What is a DBMS?

A DBMS is software that creates, manages and controls databases.

What is a primary key?

A primary key is a field that uniquely identifies each record in a table.

What is the difference between a record and a field?

A record is a complete row of data, while a field is a single column or item of data.

What is SQL?

SQL (Structured Query Language) is the language used to work with relational databases.

What is a foreign key?

A foreign key is a field in one table that links to the primary key of another table.

What is an RDBMS?

An RDBMS is a database system that stores the data in related tables.

What is the extension of an MS Access file?

The extension is .accdb for newer versions and .mdb for older versions.

How many questions come from DBMS in SSC exams?

Usually one question comes from databases and DBMS.