What is database | Welcome everyone. Here you will find the complete information about the database, why the database is needed? What are the uses of the database? So let’s get started with the definition of a database. And the letter we will discuss some terms that are related to the database.
What is database?
A database is nothing but a collection of data. Where the data are stored is called a database. Here we will discuss in detail what a database is. So, all you need to is you have to read this post.
What is data?
The information that can be stored is known as data.
Now let’s take an example so you can understand better.
For example, if you want to store the information of all the students of a university then you need to create a database to store the details of each student. These details can be anything. It can be a name, student id, mobile number, email id, city, state, country, and so on.
Now take the next point that is very important. Without it, you can’t store data in the database. We are talking about what is a database management system (DBMS)?
What is a database management system (DBMS)
Now we know what is database. So to store the data in a database we need software. DBMS is software that is used to store or manage the database. That is the relation between database and database management systems.
So where the data is stored? DBMS is software so where this database will actually store? With the help of DBMS, we just store the data in the memory. It is a mediator that helps us to store data and manage data into the database. I hope you understand what is a database management system.
Examples of the database are mysql, Oracle, SQL Server, mongodb, etc.
Why we need a database – the importance of a database
If you want to understand the database then don’t start with database software. You need to go the other way. Databases are designed to solve problems. Try to understand what problems are databases solving?
If you have data then you need a database to store it. It is true. Let’s clause and see that statement is true? Let’s say there is some data that needs to be stored. It could be information about customers or employees etc.
This data could be in any format such as Text, document file, numbers, images, videos, audios, etc. So to store this data in text files or spreadsheets you can use folders to organize your files. Then why do we need databases?
Many small businesses start with this setup. They use files and spreadsheets. And continue to use for years. It might work just fine. Because just having data is not a good reason to have a database. Having data is not a problem. Then what comes next?
Here are some examples of problems.
Size of data.
- Ease of updating data.
- Data accuracy.
- Data security.
- Redundancy of data.
- Incomplete data.
Let’s try to understand these problems in spreadsheets or in text files and see why the database is needed.
Problem-1: the size of data: when you have 100 records, the spreadsheet setup is fine. It may not work if you have 2 million records. You have to split up the file into multiple sub-files and this will create a problem. It will take you a long time to find a record. When the size of data is big then we need a database. Similarly, there are lots of problems with the file or spreadsheets setup. Instead of this database is useful.
Problem-2: ease of updating data becomes an issue when using spreadsheets or text files. Multiple people can edit the file at the same time. They will be overwriting this leads to create a problem in spreadsheets or text files.
Problem-3: data accuracy: The no validation of data entry and hence accuracy is in question. Anyone can type anything. You can enter the wrong spelling, dates.
Problem-4: data security: you can not secure data in spreadsheets or in text files. Anyone can access the file and can see any data within the files. This solution will not work for banking or health care departments.
Problem-5: data redundancy: data redundancy is a duplication of data. Multiple copies of the same data would be essentially found in spreadsheets or text files.
Problem-6: incomplete data: some of the data that is not considered important is not entered into the files as there is no validation. This bleeps data integrity in question.
So to solve all these problems we need the database and that is the importance of database and answer to the question of why we need a database.
Now you know the importance of a database. Why do we need a database? Let’s take another point what is database schema?
What is a database schema or table?
The database schema is used to organize objects or records in the database.
For example, in your database, you can have employees in two different departments. For example, IT is one department and HR is another department. If you do not wish to store the details of the employees in one single table then what you can do?
You can store it on separate tables. You can create two different tables one for the IT department and another for the HR department. And they are separated by the schema. So now you understand what is database schema.
What is the database model
How data is stored in the database is decided by the database model. Means how logical data is stored in the database. There are some types of database models.
Types of database model
- Relational data model
- Network data model
- Hierarchical data model
There are lots of things that you should know about the database. In today’s generation database is very important.
Conclusion:
Today we have discussed what is database, about the database management system, why we need a database, what is database schema or table and the database model and its type.
So if you get some useful information from here then share it with your friends and to read this type of article you can follow this blog. Don’t Foregate to describe your idea about the database in the comment section below.
