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

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(at)yahoo(dot)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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