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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