The word database can be best defined as a coherent collection of data with some inherent meaning, designed, build and populated with data for a specific purpose. A database stores data that is useful to us. This data is only a part of the entire data available in the world around us. To be able to successfully design and maintain database we have to do the following:

• Identify which part of the world’s data is of interest to us.

• Identify what specific object in the part of the world’s data is of interest to us.

• Identify a relationship between the objects.

Characteristics of a Database Management system

• It represents complex relationship between data.

• Keeps a tight control of data redundancy.

• Enforces user-defined rules to ensure the integrity of table data.
  

• Has a centralized data dictionary for the storage of information pertaining to data and its manipulation.

• Ensure that data ca be shared across applications.

• Has an automatic, intelligent backup and recovery procedure for Data.

• Has different interface via which user can manipulate data.