OVERVIEW OF MAJOR COMPONENTS - Database Design and Development: An Essential Guide for IT Professionals - page 54

recovery, and proper methods for recovering from malfunctions with the backed up
data.

Database Tuning. As the volume of data increases the number of users multiplies,
and as the usage rises database performance tends to degrade. Database adminis-
trators must constantly monitor performance and find ways to tune the database.
Tuning procedures help them with instructions on how to locate areas that slow
down and to apply techniques for improving performance.

How Databases Are Used

Figure 2-7 summarizes the functions and features of a database environment by
illustrating how the users interface with the database for their data requirements
and how database practitioners interact to perform their roles.
Note the Methods and Procedures shown on the right next to Users and
Practitioners. As discussed just above, both groups of people refer to methods and
procedures for interacting with the database. One the other side of the figure, note
the DBMS component. All interaction with the database passes through the data-
base management system. Look at the other blocks in the middle of the figure. These
software components enable users and practitioners to achieve their objectives in
the database environment.

Applications. Systems analysts and programmers develop and implement appli-
cations. Regular users interact with the database through applications.

CASE tools. Data modelers create models with CASE tools. Database
designers complete the logical design through CASE tools. Database administra-
tors may use CASE tools to create schemas for defining data structures in the data
dictionary.

Applications

D

Users

CASE tools

B

Enterprise
Database

Utilities

M

Practitioners

S

DB tools

Figure 2-7 How databases are used.