Data dictionary
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A data dictionary is (generally) a read-only set of tables and views that holds metadata - used in a DBMS. The data dictionary may be considered a database in its own right.
Amongst other things, a Data Dictionary holds the following information:
- Usernames, Roles and Privileges
- Schema Objects
- Integrity Constraints
- Stored procedures and Triggers
- General Database Structure
- Audit information
- Space allocations
One benefit of a well prepared data dictionary is a consistency between data items across different tables. For example, several tables may hold telephone numbers, using a data dictionary the format of this telephone number field will be consistent.
External links
- http://e-docs.bea.com/wlp/docs81/db/4Schemas.html#1062486
- Term definition from Webopedia (http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/d/data_dictionary.html)
- Term definition from Google (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&oi=defmore&q=define:Data+Dictionary)
- http://www.sims.monash.edu.au/subjects/ims1001/assets/week9!200501.ppt
- http://hsc.csu.edu.au/ipt/info_systems/2-4/database_modelling.htm#creating