Re: What is this thing that is called a "Data Dictionary?"

Thanks Jas for the description,  it is very helpful.

Regards,
Richard Broersma Jr.

--- Jasbinder Singh Bali <jsbali@gmail.com> wrote:

> AFAIK, data dictionary is just the metadata (read only set) that contains
> the definitions of data elements like tables, views, trigggers, SPs, roles,
> general DB structuring, space allocation methodology of the DB etc (i mean
> any data element inside the DB).
>
> It can be viewed as a simple read only file defining the basic structure of
> the database actually, in lay men terms.
>
> Also most of the times, i've observed that its hidden from the users even
> though its read only. Only DBA should have access to such kind of file in
> secured systems. Thats how we implement it in our projects out here.
>
> Bookkeeping is just synonymous to a data dictionary that would not contain
> the actual data but would essentially explain the way data would be managed
> and how.
>
> I hope this helps.
>
> Thanks,
> ~Jas
>
> On 5/2/07, Richard Broersma Jr <rabroersma@yahoo.com> wrote:
> >
> > Many of the ERD and SQL books that have have read refer to a data
> > dictionary.  However, I seem to
> > be missing the point of what it acuatally is.  IIRC, some books refer to
> > it as a kind of document
> > created by a DB designer, and other suggest that it is a kind of RBDMS
> > created metadata.
> >
> > Can anyone please offer a consise description or provide a link to that
> > describes what it is?
> > Also, how is this information useful to a DBA?
> >
> > Thanks for the help!
> >
> > Regards,
> > Richard Broersma Jr.
> >
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