In a typical information system, are “applications” the programs that issue queries and commands directly to the DBMS (thereby interacting with the database layer), as opposed to end-users manipulating database files themselves?

Introduction / Context:
Applications encapsulate business logic and data access. They connect to the DBMS using drivers (JDBC/ODBC/native) and submit SQL or API calls. Users interact with the application UI, not with raw database files. Thus, applications are the software components that directly interact with the database layer via the DBMS.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Applications manage authentication, validation, and workflows.
• Applications use data access layers to communicate with the DBMS.
• The DBMS executes statements and manages stored data.

Concept / Approach:
In layered architecture, applications are DBMS clients. They “directly” access the database in the sense that they open connections to the DBMS, issue queries, and process results. End-users generally lack file-level access and rarely execute SQL directly except in specialized roles (DBA/analyst).

Step-by-Step Solution:
User action triggers application logic. The application constructs and sends SQL/commands to the DBMS. The DBMS enforces constraints and returns results. The application formats and presents results to the user.

Verification / Alternative check:
Inspect any enterprise stack: the application layer owns the connection pools; users typically lack DBMS credentials.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Incorrect” would imply applications do not interact with the database layer, which contradicts standard system design. Platform qualifiers (OLAP/mobile/file system) do not negate this pattern.

Common Pitfalls:
Misreading “directly” as “bypassing the DBMS.” Here “directly” means the app is the DBMS client, not that it edits database files.

Final Answer:
Correct