Question

Compare the five characteristics of each of the following database architectures:

• Distributed
• Object-Oriented
• Relational
• Cube
• Multi-tier
• One-tier

Provide examples of when each would be used.

Answer 1

We have some database architectures in which different database architecture means how differently interrelated data is being shared over network. so we will see one by one each of the mentioned above database architecture.

here is the list of architectures which are given below:

1--> Distributed database architecture

2--> Object oriented database architecture

3--> Relational database architecture

4--> Cube database architecture

5--> Multi tier database architecture

6--> One tier database architecture

Distributed database architecture

"A logically interrelated collection of shared data (and a description of this data) physically distributed over a computer network."

the example of such database architecture is in banking sector.

some characteristics of distributed database architecture is given below:

• the date is split into a number of fragments.
• fragments may be replicated.
• replicas are allocated to sites.
• the sites are linked by communication network.
• the data at each site is under the control of a DBMS.

the DBMS at each site can handle local applications, autonomously.

Object oriented database architecture

Object oriented databases (OODB) represent data in the form of objects and classes.

Object-Oriented Programming + Relational Database Features = Object-Oriented Database Model.

Polymorphism Inheritance Encapsulation ODject oriented programming principles Relational database Features Integrity Concurrency Query Processing Figure 1: The Object-Oriented Database Mode.

Examples of object-oriented database engines include db4o, Smalltalk and Cache.

this architecture can be used when we need to allow the integration of data , operating system, spreadsheets , language, AI systems, word processors,and other object or applications.

some characteristics of object oriented database architecture is given below:

• the object oriented approach consider all entities as object and classes in which objects stands for all real world entity and classes is the collection of objects.
• encapsulation is the important characteristics of object oriented design which hides the implementation details from the end user and display only the needed description.
• inheritance is one of the most important characteristics of oops design as it enables re-usability. it defines the way of creating the new class from existing class.
• association is also the one of characteristics of oops design because it refers to link between the various entity of application.
• it also implements complex object which means applying constructors to simple objects.
• The object-oriented database allows for the creation of persistent objects. A persistent object is one that lives in computer memory even after completing its execution .

Relational database architecture

the relational database architecture involves tables or relations which contains row and columns.

this database is used for such software systems which enables users to define,create , maintain and control access to database.

Examples of relational database include oracle which is given by IBM.

some characteristics of relational database architecture is given below:

• there is no logical significance to the order of columns or rows.
• the columns and rows are fetched and modified using queries mainly SQL queries.
• each row contain either no values or one and only one value for each column.
• each value for the given column are of the same type.
• such database architectures ensures consistency in database architecture.

Cube database architecture

cube database architecture involve OLAP(on-line analytical processing) cube architecture , it contains data in form of array list for fast accessing or retrieval of data. it uses multidimensional data analysis technique. such cubes are often referred as hypercube.

this cube database architecture provides framework for decision making, business modeling and operation research activities. example of such cube database architecture is IBM Cognos analytics and halo.

the main characteristics of cube database architecture are:

• it uses multidimensional data analysis techniques for fast accessing of data.
• it have advance database support so that it can be used for decision making and business analysis tool.
• the end user interface are easy to use.
• it also support for client server architecture.
• dimensions are of interest to us because business data are almost always viewed in relation to other data.

Multi tier database architecture

this is also called n tier architecture because the database is engineered to have the processing, data management, and presentation functions physically and logically separated.

it involves three layers of representation of data which are given below:

• presentation layer(topmost layer)
• logical layer(middle layer)
• physical layer (innermost layer)

we can use this architecture when we have to work on different tiers for application which helps the application to work as enterprise standard edition working over distributed network.

some major characteristics of this database architecture is given below:

• we can secure each of these tiers separately .
• it is easy to manage each tier separately.
• if we want to add more resources then it can be easy task here hence this is scalable.
• we can expand each tier in any manner hence it is flexible.
• here in this architecture it is easy to add new features and easy to reuse.

One tier database architecture

one tier architecture simply means putting all the data on single server and hence perform operation on server.

1-Tier Architecture Client Computers File Server 1-tier architecture

this architecture are used when the working environment is initially setup and programmer are directed to do the work on single server. such applications are windows and mp3 players.

some important characteristics of such database architecture is given below:

• all the layers are at single server.
• locating data on single server is easy.
• the data is stored in local system or shared drive.
• it supports client server architecture .
• it is easy to use.