Applications of Computer Graphics

Applications of Computer Graphics


1. Paint programs :   Allow you to create rough freehand drawings. The images are stored as bit maps and can easily be edited. It is a graphics program that enables you to draw pictures on the display screen which is represented as bit maps (bit-mapped graphics). In contrast, draw programs use vector graphics (object-oriented images), which scale better.


2. Illustration/design programs  :  Supports more advanced features than paint programs, particularly for drawing curved lines. The images are usually stored in vector-based formats. Illustration/design programs are often called draw programs. Presentation graphics software: Lets you create bar charts, pie charts, graphics, and other types of images for slide shows and reports. The charts can be based on data imported from spreadsheet applications.


3. Animation software  :  Enables you to chain and sequence a series of images to simulate movement. Each image is like a frame in a movie. It can be defined as a simulation of movement created by displaying a series of pictures, or frames. A cartoon on television is one example of animation. Animation on computers is one of the chief ingredients of multimedia presentations. There are many software applications that enable you to create animations that you can display on a computer monitor.

4. CAD software  :  Enables architects and engineers to draft designs. It is the acronym for computer-aided design. A CAD system is a combination of hardware and software that enables engineers and architects to design everything from furniture to airplanes. In addition to the software, CAD systems require a high-quality graphics monitor; a mouse, light pen, or digitizing tablet for drawing; and a special printer or plotter for printing design specifications.


5. Desktop publishing  :  Provides a full set of word-processing features as well as fine control over placement of text and graphics, so that you can create newsletters, advertisements, books, and other types of documents. It means by using a personal computer or workstation high-quality printed documents can be produced. A desktop publishing system allows you to use different typefaces, specify various margins and justifications, and embed illustrations and graphs directly into the text. The most powerful desktop publishing systems enable you to create illustrations; while less powerful systems let you insert illustrations created by other programs.


6. Computer Simulation  :  A computer simulation, a computer model or a computational model is a computer program, or network of computers, that attempts to simulate an abstract model of a particular system. Computer simulations have become a useful part of mathematical modeling of many natural systems in physics (computational physics), chemistry and biology, human systems in economics, psychology, and social science and in the process of engineering new technology, to gain insight into the operation of those systems, or to observe their behavior.

7. Digital Art  :  Digital art most commonly refers to art created on a computer in digital form. In advanced, is a term applied to contemporary art that uses the methods of mass production or digital media. The impact of digital technology has transformed traditional activities such as painting, drawing and sculpture, while new forms, such as net art, digital installation art, and virtual reality, have been recognized artistic practices. More generally the term digital artist is used to describe an artist who makes use of digital technologies in the production of art. Digital artists are artists who make digital art using computer graphics software, digital photography technology and computer assisted painting to create art.


8. Information Visualization   :   Information visualization is the study of the visual representation of large-scale collections of non-numerical information, such as files and lines of code in software systems, and the use of graphical techniques to help people understand and analyze data. In contrast with scientific visualization, information visualization focuses on abstract data sets, such as unstructured text or points in high-dimensional space, that do not have an inherent 2D or 3D geometrical structure.


9. Scientific Visualization  :   Scientific visualization ia a branch of science, concerned with the visualization of three dimensional phenomena, such as architectural, meteorological, medical, biological systems. The emphasis is on realistic rendering of volumes, surfaces, illumination sources, and so forth, perhaps with a dynamic (time) component. Scientific visualization focuses on the use of computer graphics to create visual images which aid in understanding of complex, often massive numerical representation of scientific concepts or results.


10. Video Game  :   A video game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device(a raster display device). The electronic systems used to play video games are known as platforms; examples of these are personal computers and video game consoles. These platforms range from large computers to small handheld devices. The input device used to manipulate video games is called a game controller. Early personal computer games often needed a keyboard for gameplay, or more commonly, required the user to buy a separate joystick with at least one button. Many modern computer games allow, or even require, the player to use a keyboard and mouse simultaneously.
11. Web Design  :   Web design is the skill of designing presentations of content (usually hypertext or hypermedia) that is delivered to an end-user through the World Wide Web, by way of a Web browser. The process of designing Web pages, Web sites, Web applications or multimedia for the Web may utilize multiple disciplines, such as animation, authoring, communication design, corporate identity, graphic design, human-computer interaction, information architecture, interaction design, marketing, photography, search engine optimization and typography. In this, technologies include: Markup languages (such as XHTML and XML), Style sheet languages (such as CSS and XSL), Client-side scripting (such as JavaScript and VBScript), Server-side scripting (such as ASP.NET and VB.NET) and Database technologies (such as SQL and ORACLE)


12. User Interfaces  :   The interface between the human and the computer has been radically altered by the use of computer graphics. Consider the electronic office. The figures in this book were produced through just such an interface. A secretary sits at a workstation ,rather than at a desk equipped with a typewriter. This user has a pointing device ,such as a mouse,that allows him to communicate with the workstation. The display consists of a number of icons that represent the various operations the secretary can perform. For example ,there might be an icon of a mailbox that ,if pointed to and clicked on ,causes any electronic-mail messages to appear on the screen. An icon of a wastepaper basket allows the user to dispose of unwanted mail ,whereas an icon of a file cabinet is used to save letters or other documents.

Features of DBMS and RDBMS

Key Differences Between DBMS and RDBMS

 

A database is a collection of data that is stored in an organized manner. This data can either be on a computer or on paper. It is, of course, more efficient to store data on a computer like you can learn in this course, as the computerization of this data makes it easy to retrieve and perform operations on. Today, in the information age, databases of some kind are maintained by all organization, big and small. They are essential in ensuring that the day to day operations of an organization can run smoothly.

So what is the main difference between DBMS and RDBMS? The key difference is that RDBMS (relational database management system) applications store data in a tabular form, while DBMS applications store data as files. Does that mean there are no tables in a DBMS? There can be, but there will be no “relation” between the tables, like in a RDBMS. In DBMS, data is generally stored in either a hierarchical form or a navigational form. This means that a single data unit will have one parent node and zero, one or more children nodes. It may even be stored in a graph form, which can be seen in the network model.

In a RDBMS, the tables will have an identifier called primary key. Data values will be stored in the form of tables. The relationships between these data values will be stored in the form of a table as well.  Every value stored in the relational database is accessible. This value can be updated by the system. The data in this system is also physically and logically independent.

You can say that a RDBMS is an in an extension of a DBMS, even if there are many differences between the two. Most software products in the market today are both DBMS and RDBMS compliant. Essentially, they can maintain databases in a (relational) tabular form as well as a file form, or both. This means that today a RDBMS application is a DBMS application, and vice versa. However, there are still major differences between a relational database system for storing data and a plain database system.

History of DBMS and RDBMS

Database management systems first appeared on the scene in 1960 as computers began to grow in power and speed. In the middle of 1960, there were several commercial applications in the market that were capable of producing “navigational” databases. These navigational databases maintained records that could only be processed sequentially, which required a lot of computer resources and time.

Relational database management systems were first suggested by Edgar Codd in the 1970s. Because navigational databases could not be “searched”, Edgar Codd suggested another model that could be followed to construct a database. This was the relational model that allowed users to “search” it for data. It included the integration of the navigational model, along with a tabular and hierarchical model.

The Client Server Architecture

Database management systems like the ones you’ll learn about in this course (at least the pure DBMS applications) do not support the client-server architecture, while relational database management systems do. What is the client-server database model exactly? In a client-server database model, data is stored in a central location on a server. This server can share the data between one or more users, which are referred to as clients. However, this is not a distinction that is relevant today, where a DBMS program is a RDBMS program, and vice versa.

Ease of Access

It is generally easier to access data that is stored in a relational database. This is because the data in a relational database follows a mathematical model for categorization. Also, once we open a relational database, each and every element of that database becomes accessible, which is not always the case with a normal database (the data elements may need to be accessed individually).  
It is also easier to find data in a relational database. You can “query” a relational database in its native language without knowing the value of a key or index.

Storage Standards

Relational databases are harder to construct, but they are better structured and more secure. They follow the ACID (atomicity, consistency, isolation and durability) model when storing data. The relational database system will also impose certain regulations and conditions that may not allow you to manipulate data in a way that destabilizes the integrity of the system.

In a regular database, the data may not be stored following the ACID model. This may introduce inconsistencies in the database. It may even cause the database to become unstable over time or it may put the security of the data at risk.

The Best Database Management Program in the Market

At the moment, if you look at sales, Oracle is the best database management system in the market. There’s a great beginners course for Oracle here. It is far ahead of its nearest competitors, which include IBM (DB2 UDB), SAP, Microsoft (SQL Server) and Teradata. Oracle is produced and marketed by the Oracle Corporation. Oracle and IBM have a working partnership of sorts- many of their products are compatible with each other (mostly because they share the same customers).

RDBMS

RELATIONAL DATA BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM(RDBMS)

A relational database management system (RDBMS) is a database management system (DBMS) that is based on the relational model as invented by E. F. Codd, of IBM's San Jose Research Laboratory. Many popular databases currently in use are based on the relational database model.
RDBMSs are a common choice for the storage of information in new databases used for financial records, manufacturing and logistical information, personnel data, and other applications since the 1980s. Relational databases have often replaced legacy hierarchical databases and network databases because they are easier to understand and use. However, relational databases have received unsuccessful challenge attempts by object database management systems in the 1980s and 1990s (which were introduced trying to address the so-called object-relational impedance mismatch between relational databases and object-oriented application programs) and also by XML database management systems in the 1990s. Despite such attempts, RDBMSs keep most of the market share, which has also grown over the years.

Relational databases have enjoyed a long run as the database mainstay across a wide variety of businesses, and for good reasons. They're relatively easy to create and use, and they offer reliable performance in both transaction processing and business intelligence applications, with support for transaction and data integrity. However, relational databases haven't necessarily adapted well to changes in the types and quantities of data now being generated, such as the unstructured data that is prevalent in big data applications. In addition, expanding traditional databases to accommodate rapid growth is costly.
As a result, NoSQL database technologies are challenging the monopoly of the relational database management system. There are a number of NoSQL database options, all developed to fulfill particular purposes that RDBMSs aren't designed to handle. Many organizations are finding new freedom in having so many choices when it comes to database architectures. Yet, despite their modern designs and efficiency in managing large data sets, NoSQL databases aren't the right fit for all projects -- and they aren't likely to oust relational software from the top database perch any time soon.
Depending on your business goals, traditional databases, NoSQL databases or a hybrid of the two may be best to deliver the most value. The articles and videos in this guide examine these technologies from different perspectives and explore the case for the ongoing relevance of relational databases.

 Large Internet companies like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Netflix are well-known users of NoSQL database technology, as it works well with the large data sets they need to manage. However, many organizations find that traditional databases are still best for their business needs. In this section, learn how relational database technologies are holding their own in the database world by evolving to meet higher levels of efficiency as well as specific business needs for various companies -- even Facebook. 




According to research company Gartner, the five leading commercial relational database vendors by revenue in 2011 were Oracle (48.8%), IBM (20.2%), Microsoft (17.0%), SAP including Sybase (4.6%), and Teradata (3.7%).
The three leading open source implementations are MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. MariaDB is a prominent fork of MySQL prompted by Oracle's acquisition of MySQL AB.
According to Gartner, in 2008, the percentage of database sites using any given technology were (a given site may deploy multiple technologies):^[2]

• Oracle Database - 70%
• Microsoft SQL Server - 68%
• MySQL (Oracle Corporation) - 50%
• IBM DB2 - 39%
• IBM Informix - 18%
• SAP Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise - 15%
• SAP Sybase IQ - 14%
• Teradata - 11%

According to DB-Engines, the most popular systems are Oracle, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL and IBM DB2

What is Database Management System?

Data Base Management System(DBMS)

If the database is a file of information, then the DBMS is the file folders, the file labels and the file cabinet.A database management system (DBMS) is system software for creating and managing databases. The DBMS provides users and programmers with a systematic way to create, retrieve, update and manage data.

A DBMS makes it possible for end users to create, read, update and delete data in a database. The DBMS essentially serves as an interface between the database and end users or application programs, ensuring that data is consistently organized and remains easily accessible.
The DBMS manages three important things: the data, the database engine that allows data to be accessed, locked and modified -- and the database schema, which defines the database’s logical structure. These three foundational elements help provide concurrency, security, data integrity and uniform administration procedures. Typical database administration tasks supported by the DBMS include change management, performance monitoring/tuning and backup and recovery. Many database management systems are also responsible for automated rollbacks, restarts and recovery as well as the logging and auditing of activity.
The DBMS is perhaps most useful for providing a centralized view of data that can be accessed by multiple users, from multiple locations, in a controlled manner. A DBMS can limit what data the end user sees, as well as how that end user can view the data, providing many views of a single database schema. End users and software programs are free from having to understand where the data is physically located or on what type of storage media it resides because the DBMS handles all requests.
The DBMS can offer both logical and physical data independence. That means it can protect users and applications from needing to know where data is stored or having to be concerned about changes to the physical structure of data (storage and hardware). As long as programs use the application programming interface (API) for the database that is provided by the DBMS, developers won't have to modify programs just because changes have been made to the database.
With relational DBMSs (RDBMSs), this API is SQL, a standard programming language for defining, protecting and accessing data in a RDBMS.

 

Popular types of DBMSes :

Popular database models and their management systems include:

Relational database management system (RDBMS)  - adaptable to most use cases, but RDBMS Tier-1 products can be quite expensive.

NoSQL DBMS - well-suited for loosely defined data structures that may evolve over time. 

In-memory database management system (IMDBMS) - provides faster response times and better performance.

Columnar database management system (CDBMS) - well-suited for data warehouses that have a large number of similar data items.

Cloud-based data management system - the cloud service provider is responsible for providing and maintaining the DBMS.

Advantages of a DBMS :

Using a DBMS to store and manage data comes with advantages, but also overhead. One of the biggest advantages of using a DBMS is that it lets end users and application programmers access and use the same data while managing data integrity. Data is better protected and maintained when it can be shared using a DBMS instead of creating new iterations of the same data stored in new files for every new application. The DBMS provides a central store of data that can be accessed by multiple users in a controlled manner.

Central storage and management of data within the DBMS provides:

• Data abstraction and independence
• Data security
• A locking mechanism for concurrent access
• An efficient handler to balance the needs of multiple applications using the same data
• The ability to swiftly recover from crashes and errors, including restart-ability and recover-ability
• Robust data integrity capabilities
• Logging and auditing of activity
• Simple access using a standard application programming interface (API)
• Uniform administration procedures for data

Another advantage of a DBMS is that it can be used to impose a logical, structured organization on the data. A DBMS delivers economy of scale for processing large amounts of data because it is optimized for such operations.

Databases

 What is a database?

A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated. In one view, databases can be classified according to types of content: bibliographic, full-text, numeric, and images.

In computing, databases are sometimes classified according to their organizational approach. The most prevalent approach is the relational database, a tabular database in which data is defined so that it can be reorganized and accessed in a number of different ways. A distributed database is one that can be dispersed or replicated among different points in a network. An object-oriented programming database is one that is congruent with the data defined in object classes and subclasses.
Computer databases typically contain aggregations of data records or files, such as sales transactions, product catalogs and inventories, and customer profiles. Typically, a database manager provides users the capabilities of controlling read/write access, specifying report generation, and analyzing usage. Databases and database managers are prevalent in large mainframe systems, but are also present in smaller distributed workstation and mid-range systems such as the AS/400 and on personal computers. SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standard language for making interactive queries from and updating a database such as IBM's DB2, Microsoft's SQL Server, and database products from Oracle, SyBase, and Computer Associates.

Different Types of Databases  

 

There are different types of databases which are categorized on the basis of their function. The top 12 of these which you may come across are:

1.0 Relational Databases

This is the most common of all the different types of databases. In this, the data in a relational database is stored in various data tables. Each table has a key field which is used to connect it to other tables. Hence all the tables are related to each other through several key fields. These databases are extensively used in various industries and will be the one you are most likely to come across when working in IT. Examples of relational databases are Oracle, Sybase and Microsoft SQL Server and they are often key parts of the process of software development. Hence you should ensure you include any work required on the database as part of your project when creating a project plan and estimating project costs.

2.0 Operational Databases

In its day to day operation, an organisation generates a huge amount of data. Think of things such as inventory management, purchases, transactions and financials. All this data is collected in a database which is often known by several names such as operational/ production database, subject-area database (SADB) or transaction databases. An operational database is usually hugely important to Organisations as they include the customer database, personal database and inventory database ie the details of how much of a product the company has as well as information on the customers who buy them. The data stored in operational databases can be changed and manipulated depending on what the company requires.

3.0 Database Warehouses

Organisations are required to keep all relevant data for several years. In the UK it can be as long as 6 years. This data is also an important source of information for analysing and comparing the current year data with that of the past years which also makes it easier to determine key trends taking place. All this data from previous years are stored in a database warehouse. Since the data stored has gone through all kinds of screening, editing and integration it does not need any further editing or alteration. With this database ensure that the software requirements specification (SRS) is formally approved as part of the project quality plan.

4.0 Distributed Databases

Many organizations have several office locations, manufacturing plants, regional offices, branch offices and a head office at different geographic locations. Each of these work groups may have their own database which together will form the main database of the company. This is known as a distributed database.

5.0 End-User Databases

There is a variety of data available at the workstation of all the end users of any organisation. Each workstation is like a small database in itself which includes data in spreadsheets, presentations, word files, note pads and downloaded files. All such small databases form a different type of database called the end-user database. 

6.0 External Database

There is a sea of information available outside world which is required by an organization. They are privately-owned data for which one can have conditional and limited access for a fortune. This data is meant for commercial usage. All such databases outside the organization which are of use and limited access are together called external database.

7.0 Hypermedia Database

Most websites have various interconnected multimedia pages which might include text, video clips, audio clips, photographs and graphics. These all need to be stored and “called” from somewhere when the webpage if created. All of them together form the hypermedia database. Please note that if you are creating such a database from scratch to be generous when creating a project plan, detailed when defining the business requirements documentation (BRD) and meticulous in your project cost controls. I have seen too many projects where the creation of one of these databases has caused scope creep and an out of control budget for a project.

8.0 Navigational Database

Navigational database has all the items which are references from other objects. In this, one has to navigate from one reference to other or one object to other. It might be using modern systems like XPath. One of its applications is the air flight management systems.

9.0 In-Memory Database

An in-memory databases stores data in a computer’s main memory instead of using a disk-based storage system. It is faster and more reliable than that in a disk. They find their application in telecommunications network equipments.

10.0 Document-Oriented Database

A document oriented database is a different type of database which is used in applications which are document oriented. The data is stored in the form of text records instead of being stored in a data table as usually happens.

11.0 Real-Time Database

A real-time database handles data which constantly keep on changing. An example of this is a stock market database where the value of shares change every minute and need to be updated in the real-time database. This type of database is also used in medical and scientific analysis, banking, accounting, process control, reservation systems etc. Essentially anything which requires access to fast moving and constantly changing information. Assume that this will require much more time than a normal relational database when it comes to the software testing life cycle, as these are much more complicated to efficiently test within normal time-frames.

12.0 Analytical Database

An analytical database is used to store information from different types of databases such as selected operational databases and external databases. Other names given to analytical databases are information databases, management databases or mufti-dimensional databases. The data stored in an analytical database is used by the management for analysis purposes, hence the name. The data in an analytical database cannot be changed or manipulated.