6.1. Introduction to Databases

We begin by describing a database and defining terminology related to its use. We draw on examples from what is called the relational database because it is one of the most widely used types. However, all of the concepts described here apply to any type of database. We first define the basic concepts and then use them to discuss security concerns.

Concept of a Database

A database is a collection of data and a set of rules that organize the data by specifying certain relationships among the data. Through these rules, the user describes a logical format for the data. The data items are stored in a file, but the precise physical format of the file is of no concern to the user. A database administrator is a person who ...

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