Assignment 1: Information Management Applications and Database Systems

AI Disclaimer: I used ChatGPT as an assistant tool in completing this assignment. Specifically, it was used to help refine wording and assist with the formatting and presentation style of my Quarto page. All final content, decisions, and submitted work remain my own.

Introduction

  • Applications using database systems
  • Proposed domain-based applications
  • NoSQL databases
  • Social media database design

Applications Using Database Systems

Question 1
Name and describe three applications you have used that employ a database system to store and access persistent data.

Overview of Applications

Three applications I have used that employ database systems to store and access persistent data are:

  • Online Shopping Applications
  • Streaming Services
  • Online Multiplayer Video Games

Online Shopping Applications

Examples:

  • Amazon

  • Shein

  • Temu

  • AliExpress

Database Usage:

  • Store product listings

  • Manage user accounts

  • Track order histories and shipping information

  • Maintain payment records

These databases allow users to browse items, complete transactions, track orders, and view purchase histories.

Streaming Services

Examples:

  • Netflix

  • Amazon Prime

  • HBO Max

  • Disney+

Database Usage

  • Manage user profiles and subscriptions

  • Store viewing history

  • Generate personalized content recommendations

  • Enable access across smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles

Online Multiplayer Video Games

Examples:

  • Call of Duty

  • Fortnite

  • Battlefield

  • Valorant

  • FIFA

Database Usage

  • Store player accounts and user statistics

  • Track achievements and in-game currency

  • Record microtransaction data

  • Support cross-platform play (Xbox, PlayStation, PC/Steam)

Proposed Domain Applications

Question 2
Propose three applications in domain projects and describe their purpose, functions, and interface design.

Selected Domains

  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

Domain 1: Cybersecurity

Application: Cyber Incident Reporting Database

Purpose

  • Collect and analyze cybersecurity attacks
  • Identify attack patterns
  • Detect viruses
  • Improve response strategies

Functions

  • Store cyber-incident reports
  • Track types of attacks and source origins
  • Generate reports on prevented incidents

Interface Design

  • Incident submission form
  • Filters by attack type and severity level
  • Dashboards and graphs showing incident frequency and trends

Domain 2: Data Analytics

Application: Research Data Management System

Purpose

  • Store, organize, and manage datasets used in academic and professional research
  • Ensure data safety and efficient retrieval

Functions

  • Store structured and unstructured datasets
  • Manage data sources and collection dates
  • Provide users access to query, code, and summarize datasets

Interface Design

  • Secure user access
  • Dataset upload and download forms
  • Filters by date, variable, and dataset type

Domain 3: Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence

Application: Machine Learning Model Database

Purpose

  • Store and manage machine learning models
  • Connect models to research datasets

Functions

  • Store machine learning models in a centralized repository
  • Establish relationships between models and datasets

Interface Design

  • Model upload interface
  • Comparison graphs and charts for model performance

Why NoSQL Emerged

Question 4

Traditional relational databases became increasingly difficult to scale as data volumes grew rapidly, particularly for scientific and web-centric organizations.

NoSQL systems emerged in response by providing:

  • Horizontal scalability

  • High data throughput

  • Flexible, non-relational data models

Unlike traditional relational database management systems, NoSQL databases prioritize performance and scalability over rigid schemas and strict consistency.

Social Media Database Design

Question 6

Users Table

  • Stores user account information
  • User ID, username, email address
  • Authentication credentials

Posts Table

  • Stores user-generated content
  • Post IDs and content text
  • Timestamps for creation and publication

Followers Table

  • Manages relationships between users
  • Records follower and following connections

Interactions Table

  • Stores user engagement data
  • Likes, comments, shares
  • Saves and reposts

Conclusion

  • Database systems support everyday applications
  • Domain-specific databases enable scalable research and analysis
  • NoSQL systems address modern data challenges

Thank You