Database Definition

A database is a collection of business-critical data organized to ensure the relevant information is easily accessible and manageable. The main purpose of creating a database is to store, manage, and retrieve a large amount of information quickly.

Types of databases

There are two main types of databases known as relational and non-relational databases:

1. Relational database: Relational databases define relations between the objects. Querying in a relational database is done using Structured Querying Language (SQL) language specifically designed to manage data in a relational database. It’s also known as Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) or SQL database.
2. Non-relational database: Unlike a relational database, where the data is organized in tables and rows, a non-relational database uses a storage model optimized depending on the type of data to be stored. It’s also known as a NoSQL database.

What is Database Management System (DBMS)?

A Database Management System (DBMS) is software used to store, manage, and retrieve data in a database and consists of programs built to accept data retrieval requests and render specific data. Examples of DBMS include MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, ASE, RDS, and SQL Server.

What are the different types of DBMS?

Outlined below are some popular database types:

• Distributed database: In this database system, the information isn’t centralized in one place rather it’s distributed at multiple locations
• Object-oriented database: An object-oriented database is a database that stores data as objects. These objects include attributes and methods deciding data utilization.
• Centralized database: Centralized database stores data in one place so it’s easier for the users to access and manage. It mainly stores procedures enabling users to access data anytime, even from a remote location. Users can use this database system.
• Cloud database: Cloud database can be designed specifically for a virtualized environment. There are several benefits of using a cloud database, including high data storage, high bandwidth, high-availability, and scalability on-demand.
• Hierarchical database: Hierarchical database employs a parent-child relationship to store critical data. It’s organized in a tree-like structure where nodes represent records and branches represent fields.
• Graph database: a database that is using graph structures for semantic queries with edges, nodes, and properties to store data.

Advantages of using a DBMS

A database management system is designed to help organize data to ensure smooth and effective operations, such as through data categorization and structure. A database management system can allow users to delete obsolete data, update current data, and incorporate new data more easily. For example, with the help of SQL query language or through a user interface, a DBMS can simplify the way users update, access, and process data stored in a database.

Besides supporting better data management, there are other benefits of using a DBMS, including improved visibility: While some DBMS solutions offer basic data storage and transactions features, other database management systems can help you more easily find data received from multiple databases by storing data in a centralized location.

What are types of database architecture?

DBMS architecture helps users to understand various components of a database. There are three major types of DBMS architecture:

1. Single-tier architecture: In a single-tier architecture, the database is readily available to provide information directly to the authorized users.
2. Two-tier architecture: Both the server machine consisting of a database system and the client machine consisting of the DBMS application are connected via a network connection.
3. Three-tier architecture: There’s an additional layer in the three-tier architecture. The server and the client cannot communicate directly to get specific information.

What makes a sequence of database operations a transaction?

A transaction in a database is defined as the logical or atomic unit of work consisting of one or more SQL queries to accomplish the task. A transaction can include multiple SQL statements that are rolled back if a single query is unable to fulfill the request.

How can using a DBMS improve business performance and decision-making?

An organization may use a DBMS to support its ability to access and process large amounts of business-critical data. Businesses can leverage database management systems to share data more easily, which can help inform various operations. With a reliable DBMS, organizations can more efficiently handle large amounts of data and make quicker and more informed business decisions.