Data independence is a form of database management that keeps data separated from all programs that make use of the data. As a cornerstone for the idea of a DBMS or database management system, data independence ensures that the data cannot be redefined or reorganized by any of the programs that make use of the data. In this manner, the dataremains accessible, but is also stable and cannot be corrupted by the applications using it.
Chat with our AI personalities
Data independence refers to the ability to make changes to the data storage structure without affecting the applications that use the data. There are two types of data independence: logical data independence, which insulates applications from changes to the logical structure of the data, and physical data independence, which shields applications from changes to the physical storage structure of the data. This concept is a key aspect of database design and helps to promote flexibility, scalability, and maintainability of data systems.
Logical data independence is considered more difficult than physical data independence because it involves changes to the conceptual schema and external schema, which are more closely tied to the way data is organized and viewed in the application. Physical data independence, on the other hand, deals with changes to the internal schema, which is more abstract and can be modified with less impact on the overall system.
It is generally considered more difficult to achieve logical data independence compared to physical data independence. Logical data independence involves separating the conceptual structure of the data from the physical storage aspects, which can be complex depending on the database design. Physical data independence primarily deals with shielding the application from changes in the storage structure, which is usually more straightforward to achieve.
the ability to modify the structure or schema of one level without affecting the other level is call data independence it is of two type physical data independence logical data independence
The logical data independence is the ability to modify a logical schema without making external view or application program change. The physical data independence is the ability to modify a physical schema without making external view or application prrogram change.
Data independence is lacking in file systems because they often store data in a format that is tightly coupled with the applications that use it. This means that changing the structure or format of the data requires modifications to the applications, leading to a lack of flexibility and interoperability. In contrast, databases offer better data independence by separating the physical storage of data from the logical representation, allowing for easier modifications without impacting applications.