What Is a Database? Relational and Non-Relational Database Guide

• Database Definition

  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

  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)?

  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?

  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

  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?

  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?

  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?

  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.