Data Base Management

Software packages called Data Base Management System (DBMS) has been developed long before micro-computers to handle the problems of maintaining and integrating large volumes of data on large machines. The most important distinguishing feature of a DBMS package on personal computers is that it provides a very high level language interface which can be learned by a user who is not a computer programmer. In a few hours, it is possible to acquire enough skill to use the basic features of DBMS packages like dBASE III which is the best selling software currently in this class.

The dBASE III package has attained its current popularity mainly for the following reason:

1. It is easy to use and is simple. Its basic features can be learned in a couple of hours.

2. It provides a very high level language interface which is command oriented. Some people consider it a fourth generation language. In lay man’s terms, fourth generation language means it is superior to standard programming languages like BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN and PASCAL; and it simplifies and sometimes even avoids programming in a conventional sense.

3. Small business information systems can be easily implemented in a few days using this package.

4. Some time it having search engine optimisation advice. This advice help with search engine marketing to the user.

5. This package can be used as a tool to prototype large applications. Prototyping is useful for saving costs in implementing large applications. Parts of a large system may be implemented through dBASE III package to finalize specifications of what users want through the envisaged application and how these parts could possibly be implemented in their final form.