Database Architecture in DBMS

Database Architecture describes how database systems are designed,
how components interact, and how users access data.
It defines the logical and physical organization of databases.

1. What is Database Architecture?

Database Architecture refers to the structure of a database system that defines how users, applications, DBMS software, and the database interact.

Defines system design
Improves performance and security
Supports scalability

2. Components of DBMS Architecture

Users / Applications
Database Management System (DBMS)
Database
Hardware
Network

3. Types of Database Architecture

One-Tier Architecture
Two-Tier Architecture
Three-Tier Architecture

4. One-Tier Architecture

In one-tier architecture, the database, DBMS, and application are located on the same system.

User
 |
Application + DBMS + Database
 (Single System)

Used for personal applications
Simple and low cost
Not suitable for multi-user environments

5. Two-Tier Architecture

In two-tier architecture, the client application communicates directly with the database server.

Client Application
        |
        |
Database Server
(DBMS + Database)

Client-server architecture
Faster communication
Limited scalability

6. Three-Tier Architecture

In three-tier architecture, the application logic is separated from the client and database.

Client (UI)
    |
Application Server
(Business Logic)
    |
Database Server
(DBMS + Database)

Highly scalable
Better security
Used in web applications

7. Comparison of Database Architectures

Architecture   Layers   Security   Scalability
-------------  -------  ---------  ------------
One-Tier       1        Low        Very Low
Two-Tier       2        Medium     Medium
Three-Tier     3        High       High

8. Advantages of Database Architecture

Improved data security
Better performance
Easy maintenance
Supports multiple users
Scalable design

9. Real-Life Examples

One-Tier → MS Access
Two-Tier → Desktop banking systems
Three-Tier → Web applications (E-commerce, ERP)

Practice Questions

Define database architecture.
Explain one-tier architecture.
Explain two-tier architecture with diagram.
Explain three-tier architecture with diagram.
Differentiate between two-tier and three-tier architecture.

Practice Task

Prepare notes with diagrams on: ✔ One-Tier Architecture ✔ Two-Tier Architecture ✔ Three-Tier Architecture ✔ Comparison of Architectures

📘 DBMS – Chapters