What are the Different Types of Database Users in DBMS?

In simple terms, if we understand, any person who uses a database and avails benefits from the database is known as database user in DBMS. Database users in DBMS can access the database and retrieve the data from the database using applications and interfaces provided by the Database Management System (DBMS).

We can always provide security to our database from being accessed by the unauthorized users. Different database users with different login IDs and passwords can only have unrestricted access to that part of the database with which they are associated as per the requirements.

Database users in DBMS can be categorized based on their interaction with the databases. According to the tasks performed by the database users on the databases, we can categorize them into seven categories as follows:

• Database Administrators (DBA)
• Database Designers
• System Analysts
• Application Programmers / Back-End Developers
• Naive Users / Parametric Users
• Sophisticated Users
• Casual Users / Temporary Users

As we move through the course of this article, we will understand in detail about different types of database users in DBMS!

Who are Database Administrators (DBA)?

Database Administrators (DBA) are the most important type of database users in DBMS. Database Administrator is an individual or a team of users who define the database schema and takes charge of controlling various levels of the database within the organization.

Database Administrators (DBAs) have full control of the database and they are sometimes known as the super-users of the database. They work alongside developers in order to discuss and design the overall structure of the database including layouts, functionalities, workflow, etc.

Database Administrators (DBAs) can grant or revoke authorization permission to all other users at any point of time. In order to access the database, DBAs have to provide login credentials (account ID and password) to all other users when required. Database Administrators (DBAs) are solely responsible for providing security to the database by restricting unauthorized users from accessing the database.

Database Administrators (DBAs) have all the privileges allowed by the DBMS. They have to update the database timely in terms of technology, functionality, and workflow in order to meet future requirements and in making the database ready for future scope.

Database Administrators (Database admins) are also responsible to keep a check on data integrity, data consistency, data redundancy, hardware and software installation requirements, and routine maintenance of the databases. They are also responsible for handling data loss, which can be caused due to any error or even due to system failures.

Also, Database Administrators (DBAs) monitor the backup & recovery of the database records and provide technical support as well. If the technical team raises any concern, DBAs have to resolve it.

Who are Database Designers?

As the name suggests, Database Designers are the users in DBMS who design and create the structure of the database including triggers, indexes, schemas, entity relationships, tables, constraints, etc. which complete the database.

Database designers try to gather information depending upon the requirements related to the database like the layout, looks, database functioning, costing, technologies to be used & implementation techniques, and finally, they design the final layout of the database for programmers to code its logic.

Database Designers are the type of database users in DBMS who are responsible for implementing the overall design of the database. They decide which form of data needs to be stored, what kind of relations exist among different entities of the database, what will be the type of attributes etc.

Who are Naive Users / Parametric Users?

Naive users also known as Parametric End users, don't have any knowledge of DBMS but still frequently use the database applications to get the desired results. With the help of the interface provided by the DBMS applications, Naive users mostly use the database to fill in or retrieve the information (view level of the database).

Naive users don't need to be aware of the presence of the database system as they can interact with the database with the help of menu-driven application interface. In simple terms, Naive / Parametric End users work directly on developed applications to access the database indirectly for getting the desired results.

For example: Railway ticket booking users in general are naive/parametric end users as they don't have much knowledge about DBMS and directly use railway booking application to book their tickets.

Who is a System Analyst?

System Analysts are the type of database users in DBMS who analyze the requirements of Naive / Parametric End users. It is their responsibility to check whether all the requirements of end users are satisfied or not.

Analyzing feasibility, economic and technical aspects are some of the major responsibilities for a system analyst in DBMS. Sometimes, they are also responsible for the design, structure & functioning of the database. They usually check and gather all the necessary information related to the database, and if needed, they can change or update the final layout of the database as per requirements. System Analysts always make sure that the final product should meet all the requirements.

Who are Application Programmers / Back-End Developers?

Application Programmers also known as Back-End Developers, are computer professional users who are responsible for developing the application programs (C, C++, Java, PHP, Python, etc.) or the user interface so that other users can use these applications to interact with the database.

Application Programmers have deep knowledge of DBMS & databases and know everything in detail. They interact with the database using DML (Data Manipulation Language) queries to store data inside the database and when needed, they can also fetch the data from it.

When needed, Application Programmers also specify the modifications needed in the database structure for an application. They are efficient enough in designing or developing their database in any language they know.

Who are Sophisticated Users?

Sophisticated users are the type of database users in DBMS who know DBMS (DDL & DML commands) and are familiar with the database. Sophisticated users can be business analysts, engineers, scientists, system analysts, etc.

Sophisticated users can develop or access their database applications according to the requirements, without actually writing the program code for it. These users are also known as SQL programmers as they can interact with the database directly using SQL queries using query processors. Using SQL queries, they can fetch the data from the database. They can also delete, update or insert new data into the database.

For example: Data Engineers & Developers who are familiar with the database, directly access the database using SQL queries rather than writing programming code for accessing the database again. Hence, they are termed as sophisticated users.

Who are Casual Users / Temporary Users?

Casual users also known as temporary users, are the type of database users in DBMS who frequently or occasionally use the database services. Whenever these users try to access the database, they want all the information sorted in place.

Casual/Temporary users have little knowledge about DBMS and each time they try to access the database, they require new information.

For example: High-level management people are casual users who have little knowledge about DBMS and hence, they can access the database to either fill in new information or retrieve existing results.

Learn More:

• What are Databases?
• Types of Databases.
• Database Languages in DBMS.
• DDL in DBMS.