Question

Discuss on various database models available in DBMS.

Answer 1

DBMS Database Models:

The database technology came into existence in terms of models with relational and object-relational behavior. The major database models are listed below:

• Hierarchical Database Model-

1. The famous Hierarchical database model was IMS (Information Management System), IBM’s first DBMS. In this model each record has information in the parent/child relationship like a tree structure. The collection of records was called as record types, which are equivalent to tables in a relational model. The individual records are equal to rows.
2. In the above model we have many advantages like less redundant data, efficient search, data integrity and security. This model also has few limitations like complex to implement and difficulty in handling many to many relationships.
   

• Network model-

1. The first developed network data model was IDS (Integrated Data Store) at Honeywell.
2. A network model is similar to Hierarchical model except that in this model each member can have more than one owner. The many to many relationships are handled in a better way.
3. This model identified the three database components Network schema, Sub schema and Language for data management.
4. Network schema- schema defines all about the structure of the database.
5. Sub schema- control on views of the database for the user.
6. Language- basic procede for accessing the database.
   

• Relational model-

1. Oracle and DB2 are few commercial relational models in use. The relational model is defined with two terminologies Instance and Schema.
2. Instance- A table consisting of rows and columns.
3. Schema- Specifies the structure including name and type of each column.
4. A relation (table) consists of unique attributes (columns) and tuples (rows).
   

• Object-oriented database model-
  This model incorporates the combination of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP’s) concepts and database technologies.
  Practically, this model serves as the base of Relational model. The object-oriented model uses small, reusable software known as Objects.
  These are stored in an object-oriented database.
  This model efficiently manages a large number of different data types. Moreover, complex behaviors are handled efficiently using OOP’s concepts.