3. Why is data independence important and how is it achieved with a DBMS?
Database independence separates the data from the application programs and from the physical data storage. The separation makes it possible (and easy) to replace elements of the programs and reports; or to move the physical data; without altering the data itself. Similarly, it is possible to add new data items and all of the existing forms and reports will continue to run without modification. Of course, if you want to include the new data in the forms and reports, they will have to be modified—but that process is relatively easy with the form and report builders.