Database management refers to the process of storing and manipulating the information housed in a database. Databases can be as simple as the electronic address books used by individuals to keep track of e-mail recipients or as complex as electronic library systems or online flight reservation systems. Typically, some sort of query system allows users to gain access to specific information in a database. For example, electronic library systems often are designed to accept queries such as "a = author name," "t = title," and "s = subject." Therefore, the query "title = War and Peace" would retrieve all database entries which contained "War and Peace" in the title field. The tools used to actually manage databases are grouped together into database management systems (DBMSs). Several types of DBMSs exist, including those designed for personal computers (PCs), as well as those running on large mainframe systems.
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