What is a Database
A database is a collection of records that are compiled efficiently to regulate the managing, storing and accessing of logically inter-related information. There are two popular types of Databases: Desktop and Server.
Desktop databases are designed to run on personal computers. More popular desktop database products include FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access and Lotus Approach.
Desktop databases are
- Cost effective (available for under USD $100).
- Extremely user-friendly, as they offer numerous tutorials and easy spreadsheet creation.
- Already available on your own personal computer if you use Microsoft Access Professional.
Server databases are generally used by business and organizations as they offer the ability to manage huge amounts of data and allow many users to view and update information simultaneously. Server databases are expensive but are worth the cost for the benefits in data management that they offer.
Server based desktops are
- Flexible – able to handle any data management problem that may occur and come with Application Programmer Interfaces (API’s) that allow for the development of custom database applications.
- Powerful – and can be made more so depending on the needs of your organization. They are able to manage multiple connections from user computers and large amounts of bandwidth consuming user activity.
Databases are controlled and edited by database management systems (DBMS) that are constructed from tables, similar to those found in Microsoft Excel or Open Office Calc. Information is stored in columns, which represent fields and rows which represent records. The amount of columns in a particular table is dependent upon how many different category types are needed in the database, while the number of rows is determined by the quantity of the items for which records need to be created. By accessing this simple organizational structure computer programs can select the necessary and inter-related information from databases.
There are four types of database management systems
- Flat file – Usually constructed in plain text format. Each line can only hold one record (for example, names and addresses) and the information can be accessed quickly for use in simple tasks.
- Hierarchical – These are constructed under a parent/child model. An example of this structure is a company’s employee records. The employee name would be the parent and the “child” would the information directly related to the employee name. This would include the employees identification number, date of birth, job title etc. This format proves problematic because the child sections of the information are not interrelated
- Relational – This is the most popular type of database as it used on the internet. Relational databases contain an infinite number of interrelated tables. The tables can then be sorted to allow for fast searches.
- Object-oriented. – These are somewhat similar to relational databases, the difference lies in the fact that they are designed to store audio, video and other mixed media objects instead of text and numbers as with other database types.