A database is a systematic collection of data which makes it possible for us to store, update, and retrieve data in an efficient manner. Databases are utilized in numerous applications like banking systems, e-commerce websites, social networking sites, and even in mobile applications. In this blog here, we are going to inform you about what a database is, how it functions, and why it occupies such an important place in the current technology.
What is a Database
A database is a collection of data that is organized in a way that facilitates easy storage, retrieval, updating, and maintenance. Instead of placing data in ordinary files, databases place data in rows, columns, and tables, which are more accessible and queryable.
For example, in the online bookstore database, there can be a customer table with one table and one customer per row and columns like name, address, and email. There can also be a table of book information with columns like title, author, genre, and price.
Types of Databases
There are various types of different databases, which are used for specific purposes. Most commonly used types of databases are:
- Relational Databases:
Relational databases hold data in tabular form and use the relational model, i.e., data are stored in rows and columns.They query and manipulate data with the use of SQL (Structured Query Language). The most popular relational databases are MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle Database, and Microsoft SQL Server.Example: A banking system with customer, transaction, and account information as separate tables with inter-table relationships.
- NoSQL Databases:
NoSQL databases are less data structured than relational databases. NoSQL databases would typically deal with unstructured or semi-structured data and provide dynamic schema.NoSQL databases are widely utilized by big data, as well as real-time web applications.Examples: MongoDB, Cassandra, Couchbase, Redis.Platform upon which users, images, and video are posted, and all posts may have different data structures depending on content type.
3.In-Memory Databases:Store data within the system RAM rather than disks and therefore run significantly faster than the disk-based traditional databases.Redis and Memcached are well-known examples of in-memory databases.A web gaming website where game session information in real-time is cached to enable ready access and better user responsiveness.
4.Graph Databases:They are databases to store and query data as graphs. Objects in here are stored as nodes, and relationships between them are stored as edges.Example of an example graph database: Neo4j.A recommendation engine that searches over social connections, product purchases, or friendships over relations and links.
5.Object-Oriented Databases:Object-oriented databases store information as objects, since information is kept in object-oriented programming languages.Example: A business system with involved data models, e.g., product information, that are most accurately described as objects and methods and fields.
How Do Databases Work?
Data is stored and controlled in databases through a Database Management System (DBMS). DBMS is a computer program that is between the database and the users, applications, or systems utilizing the database. DBMS provides the user read, insert, update, and delete operations on data in the database.
- Data Storage-In its most basic sense, a database is a storehouse where data is kept in the form of tables. A table consists of rows and columns, and a row is one record and a column is one field of the record. The DBMS then manages how the data is stored and arranged in the best possible manner so that it is accessible for usage or updation as and when required.
- Data Retrieval-Among the most important functions performed by databases is rapid retrieval of reliable information. It is performed by utilizing queries—queries that are asked of the database so that it can provide an application or a user with reliable information.The DBMS runs the query and retrieves the pertinent information from the database and provides the feed back to the application or user.
- Data Manipulation-Databases offer adding, updating, or removing records. This is achieved using SQL statements
- Transactions-A transaction is a group of database operations that are carried out as a single unit. The idea is to leave the database in a consistent state even in case of failures or system crash.
- Data Integrity-Data integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency of data in the database. It makes data complete, accurate, and trustworthy.
Why Databases Matter
Databases form a critical part of modern-day applications and businesses. Below are some of the reasons why databases are so critical:Optimized Data Storage: Databases provide an efficient and structured way of storing much data.Fast Data Retrieval: Since indexes are maintained and optimized queries are used, databases enable rapid data retrieval.Data Protection: Databases provide features like user authentication and encryption to protect sensitive data.Integrity of Data: Validation rules and constraints, aided by databases, guarantee proper and valid data to be stored.Scalability: Databases are scalable up to a greater degree in terms of accommodating more data, either through hardware extension (vertically) or distributing the data onto multiple servers (horizontally).
Databases are the building blocks of almost every modern application and service. Databases allow us to store, organize, and manage data in a fast and efficient manner and are the basis for everything ranging from banking systems to social networks. Whether you’re dealing with small datasets or big applications, you need to know how databases work if you’re in Information Technology’s line of business.
Understanding of databases is the need of the day for Department of Information Technology students at Biyani Girls College. They form the backbone of the majority of the applications you would be dealing with in your professional life. The greater your understanding of the database technologies, the better you are able to comprehend how important they are in creating the world of digital technology.
Blog By:
Rahul Agarwal
Assistant Professor
Biyani Girls College
