A data access object (DAO) is a software design pattern that provides an abstraction layer between the business logic and the database. It is a programming interface that enables easy access, management, and manipulation of data within a database system. The primary purpose of a DAO is to separate the application from the underlying database implementation by encapsulating all the data access-related operations.
In more technical terms, a DAO acts as an intermediary between the application and the database by providing a set of methods or functions to perform common database operations, such as creating, reading, updating, and deleting records. It abstracts the database operations in a way that the application does not have to directly interact with the database or have knowledge of its specific implementation. This separation of concerns enhances the maintainability, extensibility, and flexibility of the application.
A DAO typically includes methods to retrieve data based on specific criteria, insert new data into the database, update existing data, and delete records. It may also provide additional functionality for complex queries or transactions. By employing the DAO pattern, developers can easily switch between different database technologies without affecting the application's overall code, as the underlying implementation details are hidden behind the DAO interface.
Overall, a data access object simplifies database operations for developers by providing a common interface to interact with the database, thus promoting efficient data management practices and improving the overall performance of applications.
