What is a database? Types of databases and their role

A database is a term used in many fields such as software development, website data and information technology. It is a key component for building and optimizing apps and software on PC and mobile. There are many types of database, but all of them store the text and images on a website. Any database can also be combined with a programming language. This article from Mona Media will help you better understand will explain what a database is and how databases are classified.

What is a database?

A database is an organized collection of information, either as data or structured records, usually used to store a system online on a computer. A database is usually controlled by a database management system, or DBMS. The data, the DBMS and the applications that connect them are together called a database system, or simply a database.

Data in today's common database types is usually modeled in columns and rows across a series of tables, so it can be processed and queried efficiently. The data can then be easily managed, accessed, updated, modified, organized and controlled. Most databases use structured query languages such as SQL to query and write data.

The most common types of database today

Classification by operating system

Databases that run on Windows. Example: SQL Server (MSSQL), etc.

Databases that run on Linux. Example: MariaDB, MySQL

Classification by purpose

File databases

Data stored as files that hold related information a program can read and access. The most widely used formats are *.mdb, Foxpro, ascii and *.dbf.

Relational databases

Different data is stored in tables that are related to each other. Widely used management systems that support relational databases include MS SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, etc.

Object-oriented databases

Relational and object-oriented databases are alike in that all data lives in tables. The difference is that object-oriented databases add object-oriented features. For example, stored data can carry behaviors that describe how the object acts. Widely used systems that support object-oriented databases include PostgreSQL, MS SQL Server, Oracle, etc.

Distributed databases

In a distributed database, parts of the database are stored in different locations, and processing is replicated or spread across different points in the network. A distributed database can be homogeneous or heterogeneous. In a heterogeneous distributed database, the operating system, hardware or database application differs at each location.

Semi-structured databases

This type of database is usually stored as XML, with descriptive information about the data and objects laid out in tags. Its main advantage is that it can hold many different kinds of data, which is why it has steadily earned its place.

Cloud databases

A cloud database is built for an optimized virtualized environment, in a public, hybrid or private cloud. Cloud databases offer pay-per-use storage and are always ready to scale on demand.

Many businesses use cloud databases for their very high security, and they support business applications that deliver software as a service.

The role and importance of databases

Systematic storage of information

An organized, systematic structure is the biggest difference between ordinary data and a database. Data is stored in a set structure and stays consistent.

Because of this, a database makes it easier to store, create, search and use data quickly and accurately.

Many users can access the data at the same time

Several people can use a database at once, through different access routes, without going through a complicated, clumsy middle step. This makes it easier to use, focus and manage your data.

Flexible to what users need

You can adjust the complexity and size of a database freely. Some hold only a few hundred records, others are huge. Storage formats are also varied. A database can be kept on USB drives, hard disks or CDs.

Keeping data safe

Keeping data safe and intact is the top priority in storage. If you store data as text files, saving to .csv and .xml is the most reliable. With those two formats you can import back into a database safely and easily. This approach is commonly used to back up a database to an external file that is easy to read.

Easy data management

A database is built, designed and stored so information can be created, updated and retrieved easily. Data is updated regularly and without duplicates. Using a database helps you build professional products, keep everything stored in one system and manage it with ease.

With these advantages, databases are increasingly common in application programming and across the whole IT industry.

Why use a database system

A database lets users search and access information easily and quickly. Before IT developed, information was stored on computers as files, and users had a hard time groping through small files one by one. Today, database systems have overcome the limits of file-based storage:

• Keeps duplicated information to a minimum, so there is less to search through.
• Makes information easier to share and removes distance as a barrier. A system hosted in Vietnam can be reached by a user abroad with just a password.
• Information stays as secure as possible as long as the main user does not share it.
• However, database systems also have some limitations that are hard to overcome:
• Users must protect data ownership, because a database is shared so widely
• Data disputes must be handled when they occur.
• When incidents happen, data must be kept safe and not lost.

Overall, databases are widely used in many organizations and businesses. Despite the limitations, a database clearly helps a business process and query data better than ordinary storage. That is all the information about will explain what a database is and related topics such as types and the role of databases. We hope what MONA has shared is useful to you.