Overview of Databases
Get an overview of databases, where they are used, how they operate, and their benefits and drawbacks.
What is a database?
A database is a collection of raw data that can be accessed by computer systems quickly. Databases can efficiently store, organize, and process structured data in computer systems, such as customer records, product inventory, or financial transactions. In brief, a database is a structured collection of information.
Data is the term we use for any unprocessed information. Data can be anything from articles, books, records, and videos.
A relational database represents data in rows and columns of tables. A relational database has core components like tables, constraints, triggers, roles, stored procedures, and views. A database management system (DBMS) is a specialized software for controlling databases. The DBMS and associated applications are often referred to as database systems.
Why use a database?
We use databases to store data in an organized and easy-to-access format. Databases make it easy to find and use data and can scale to support vast amounts of data.
We use databases for various purposes, such as storing data, managing inventory, or tracking financial transactions. There are many DBMS available. Some of the most popular ones are MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and IBM Db2.
What are the benefits of using a database?
There are many benefits of using a database, such as:
Fast and Efficient: Databases are efficient at storing data. We can store and access data quickly. PostgreSQL is known for its speedy performance.
Versatile: Databases support various data types, such as text, pictures, videos, etc. We use databases for various applications, such as storing, ...