GLOSSARY - Introduction to Database Management - page 452

Data normalization A methodology for organizing attributes into tables so that redun-
dancy among the nonkey attributes is eliminated.
Data planning Identifying data requirements, analyzing available data, and designing
ways to meet data needs.

Data query Term commonly used to refer to data access.

Data repository Refers to the data storage unit where physical data files are kept.

Data security Processes and procedures implemented with the goal of keeping data
safe. Basic data security categories are access security and physical security.
Data type A way of describing the kind of data that can be stored in a column or a

variable.

Data type Data storage format used to specify storage characteristics for data columns
and variables.

Data volatility Referring to how often data is added to the database and how often

the data changes.
Data volume assessment The process of determining the storage space required for

each database table.

Data warehouse A decision support database used to store a large amount of (typically

historical) data.

Database An ordered collection of related data elements intended to meet the infor-
mation needs of an organization and designed to be shared by multiple users.

Database administrator Role responsible for operationally-oriented administration

activities.
Database engine Core DBMS component responsible for data retrieval and modifica-
tion, coordinating other DBMS component actions, providing an interface with the data
user, and interfacing with the platform operating system.

Database object Something created as part of a database, such as a table or view.

Database persistence Act of caching queries in an Internet-based application where
data is cached at the Web server or a proxy server.

Database practitioner Information Technology personnel responsible for designing,
creating, and maintaining databases.
DDL statement

Statement used to create and manage server and database objects.

DDL trigger Trigger that fires when database or database server objects are created or

modified.

Deadlock A condition where two transactions mutually block each other.

Decision support database A database designed to support advanced data mining
activities and provide support for strategic decision making.
Declarative statement Statement in which you specify the data for which you are
looking and let the DBMS determine the procedure for accessing that data.

Decomposition process Another term for the data normalization process. Also called

“non-loss decomposition.”