Introduction to Oracle Database This chapter provides an overview of Oracle Database and contains the following sections: . About Relational Databases Schema Objects Data Access Transaction Management Oracle Database Architecture . Oracle Database Documentation Roadmap About Relational Databases Every organization has information that it must store and manage to meet its requirements. For example, a corporation must collect and maintain human resources records for its employees. This information must be available to those who need it. An information system is a formal system for storing and processing information. An information system could be a set of cardboard boxes containing manila folders along with rules for how to store and retrieve the folders. However, most companies today use a database to automate their information systems. A database is an organized collection of information treated as a unit. The purpose of a database is to collect, store, and retrieve related information for use by database applications. Database Management System (DBMS) A database management system (DBMS) is software that controls the storage, organization, and retrieval of data. Typically, a DBMS has the following elements: Kernel code This code manages memory and storage for the DBMS. Repository of metadata This repository is usually called a data dictionary. Query language This language enables applications to access the data. A database application is a software program that interacts with a database to access and manipulate data. The first generation of database management systems included the following types: Introduction to Oracle Database 1-1