ABSTRACT
Data are the main component of a computer-based system. Processing of data is the main function of the software-based system; therefore, software designers need to learn the intricacies of all aspects of data, including receiving data, storing the data efficiently, retrieving the data quickly, processing it efficiently, and then delivering it. Most of the data being processed come from storage. Rarely do we process data immediately on receipt, except in real-time systems. Therefore, efficient storage of data assumes paramount importance. First, we need to learn the data types of integer, single- and double-precision floating-point numbers, currency, Boolean, date, time, and others. Then, there are the special data types, null, arrays, unions, and pointers. Then, data can be local to a subprogram or global to all subprograms. Also, coming to storage of data in secondary memory, we need to discuss data files, referred to as flat files, and their organization. Then, we need to look at DBMS storage, as DBMSs are the most frequently used mechanism for storing data for the multiple advantages they provide. All these aspects are discussed in this chapter.
