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Adabas is a legacy database management system that’s been powering mission-critical applications for large organizations for decades. Learn Adabas with online courses delivered by edX.

What is Adabas?

Adabas (adaptable database system) is a database management system that helps users handle large volumes of almost any type of data. Some of Adabas’ benefits include:

  • High availability: It has been designed to operate continuously for extended periods of time, which can make it an excellent choice for running mission-critical applications.

  • Storage space optimization: It optimizes storage space and ensures efficient system performance by storing data in a compressed form.

  • Fault tolerance: It can quickly recover after a system malfunction. It also features backup components that automatically replace failed ones to avoid system disruptions. 

Adabas also allows users to choose the data model that best suits their needs. Because it supports relational, entity, hierarchical, geographical, and text data models, Adabas combines elements from both relational and non-relational databases. Like relational databases, Adabas can store data in tables and link files by a common field. And, like non-relational databases, Adabas can also store multiple data relationships in the same table. This approach allows for greater flexibility and makes it easier to manage and retrieve data.Footnote 1

Adabas | Introduction Image Description

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How does Adabas work?

Adabas uses a programming language called Natural to create, modify, read, and protect data. Natural was developed by Software AG as a more simple and user-friendly alternative to legacy mainframe languages such as COBOL. It’s a fourth-generation programming language, which means its syntax is closer to human language than numbers-based machine language.Footnote 2

While Adabas and Natural are often viewed as legacy technologies, there are many businesses whose IT operations will depend on them for years to come. To ensure its platform remains relevant and useful for clients, Software AG has recently integrated new features that will make Adabas and Natural suitable for mobile development, DevOps, and big data environments.Footnote 3

Adabas tutorial curriculum

Beginners seeking to learn Adabas should start by gaining a basic understanding of database management systems, including those used in mainframe systems. In addition, they’ll need to have a solid grasp of the different data models that Adabas supports and how to apply them. When studying Adabas, you may learn about:Footnote 4

  • Adabas structure and architecture

  • Data storage and compression

  • Adabas associators

  • Adabas datasets

  • Natural language

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Explore jobs that use Adabas

Jobs that require knowledge of Adabas and Natural may be found in IT, specifically in positions that work with mainframe computer systems and large-scale databases. A solid foundation in IT and knowledge of Adabas can help learners pursue the following positions:

  • Adabas engineer

  • Mainframe engineer

  • Adabas Natural developer

  • Adabas database administrator

  • IT application analyst

It is important to remember that the requirements for each of these roles can vary by both position and by employer. For example, some employers may require that candidates hold a bachelor’s degree or, if they are pursuing a leadership role, a master’s degree in a specific field. Others may require proof of skills that can be learned in a specialized boot camp. Research potential positions you are interested in as you decide which courses best align with your professional aspirations. 

How to use Adabas as a software engineer

To use Adabas as an engineer, you’ll need a basic understanding of the Adabas Natural programming language and familiarity with data modeling concepts. Settings where IT professionals can work with Adabas include:

  • As Adabas managers, administrators, or engineers: They’ll use it to store, manage, and retrieve data, in addition to generating reports and performing data analysis. Depending on the organization and their role, individuals may have to install, configure, and maintain Adabas databases.

  • As part of a data migration or replatforming process: Engineers performing migrations to other mainframe systems or the cloud will usually have to extract, cleanse, and normalize data from Adabas before loading it into the new system.

Whether you need to use Adabas as part of your day-to-day work or for a specific project like a migration, online courses can help build your knowledge of the system. Start your learning journey today with edX.