Answer: DBMS stores data hierarchically on disks with records in files, accessed via indexes using optimized formats and secured transactions.
- Tables: Data in a DBMS is stored primarily in tables, where each table represents a specific entity or relationship.
- Rows and Columns: Tables consist of rows (records) and columns (attributes), with each row holding a unique record and each column representing a specific piece of information.
- Data Types: DBMS stores data using predefined data types such as integers, strings, dates, and more, ensuring consistency and facilitating efficient storage.
- Pages and Blocks: Storage is organized into pages or blocks, which are the basic units for reading and writing data. These units help optimize I/O operations.
- Indexes: Index structures are used to enhance data retrieval speed by providing a quick lookup mechanism. These indexes are stored separately from the actual data.
- File Structures: Actual storage on disk involves file structures such as B-trees or hash tables, allowing for efficient data access and modification.
- Normalization: Normalization techniques help organize data to minimize redundancy and dependencies, optimizing storage and maintaining data integrity.
- Compression: DBMS may use compression techniques to reduce storage space, especially for large datasets, by eliminating redundant or repeated information.