What is Database? How do its various types work?

Definition of Database

A collection of unique, discrete units of information is referred to as data. It may be utilized in many different ways, including text, numbers, media, bytes, etc. A database is a structured collection of data that can be handled and accessed easily. They support the electronic manipulation and storage of data. The database primarily focuses on acting on a huge quantity of information by storing, retrieving, and managing data. There are five components of a database that includes Hardware, Software, Data, Procedure, and Data Access Language. The various available databases are MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB, Sybase, etc. The Database Management System(DBMS) is used to handle modern databases.

Types of Database

In order to store different kinds of data, there are various types of databases. Here are some popular databases and are as follows:

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1. Centralized database

2. Distributed database

3. Relational database

4. NoSQL database

5. Object-oriented database

6. Operational database

7. Personal database

8. Graph database

9. Cloud database

10. Enterprise database

11. Hierarchical database

12. Network database

1. Centralized database

The term "centralized database management system" refers to a setup where all the data is kept and handled in one place. These include the authentication procedure to provide users with safe data access. The risk associated with data management has decreased. As it handles data in a central repository, data consistency is preserved. Better data quality is provided, allowing businesses to set data standards. The centralized database's size contributes to an extended response time while retrieving data. A mainframe computer, desktop computer, or server CPU are a few examples.

2. Distributed database

A distributed database is one that is made up of two or more files that are spread over many sites, either on the same network or on distinct networks completely. Through communication links, these database systems are linked. End users can simply access the data with the use of such connections. The complete collection of data won't be impacted by a single server failure. Apache Cassandra, HBase, and Ignite are a few examples.

It is further divided into

• Homogeneous distributed databases (systems that execute on the same operating system)
• Heterogeneous distributed databases (systems that execute on different operating systems).

3. Relational database

A relational database is based on a relational data model which uses SQL to store, manipulate, and preserve data. This method is helpful for gaining access to structured data. The information is arranged in a series of tables with columns and rows. Every table in the database has a key that distinguishes the data from other tables. Oracle, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server are a few examples. The relational database has specific ACID properties.

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• A(Atomicity) - Transactions are of ‘all or nothing’
• C(Consistency) - Consistent database on before and after database
• I(Isolation) - Multiple transactions are possible since it is independent
• D(Durability) - No loss of written data

4. NoSQL database

NoSQL is a nonrelational database that holds unstructured and partially structured data. Due to the increasing use and complexity of web applications, it gained popularity. It provides high scalability. Since data storage in a structured manner is not necessary, it promotes high efficiency in the creation of applications. We further classify a NoSQL database into the following four types.

• Key-value storage - It holds each item as a key (or attribute name) retaining its value together.
• Document-oriented Database - Utilizing the same document-model format as the application code aids developers in the storage of data.
• Graph Databases - In a graph-like form, it is utilized to store enormous quantities of data.
• Wide-column stores - Instead of storing data in rows, it is grouped together in big columns.

5. Object-oriented database

This type of database makes use of an object-based data model to store data in the database system. The objects used to represent and store the data are related to those used in object-oriented programming languages.

6. Operational database

In addition to storing transactions made by several users in real-time, it is made to produce or update large volumes of data. Its main purpose is to carry out and manage routine data activities in various enterprises.

7. Personal database

A personal database is defined as data that is gathered and stored on the user's computer. Essentially, this database is made for a single user. Information that is often used, particular, or personalized is kept in a personal database. This enables quicker access to specific material for use in all studies and initiatives.

8. Graph database

A graph database known as a semantic database is a software program made specifically to store, query, and alter network graphs. It keeps information in the form of entities and the connections between them.

9. Cloud database

This type of database runs on a cloud computing platform and stores data in a virtual environment. Users can access the database via a variety of cloud computing services (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, etc.). Amazon Web Services(AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure are a few examples of cloud databases.

10. Enterprise database

This database is used by big businesses or organizations to manage enormous amounts of data. It aids in increasing and enhancing an organization's productivity. Users may access the database at the same time. The Enterprise database may handle several processes. It enables running several concurrent queries on the system.

11. Hierarchical database

It is a particular kind of database that keeps information in the form of parent-child relationship nodes. This structure resembles a tree and arranges the data. Records that are linked to one another serve as storage units for data. The tree will only have one parent per kid record. In contrast, a parent record may have several kid records.

12. Network database

It is the database that generally adheres to the network data model. Data is represented in this instance as a network of linked nodes. It lets each record have several children and parent nodes to construct a generalized graph structure, in contrast to hierarchical databases.

Summary

This article primarily focuses on databases and their types. A database is a systematic collection of data that supports the storage and manipulation of data. There are 11 types of databases and they all perform their unique features. Professionals in businesses are able to use structured data to support better and more effective decision-making, agility, and scalability with the use of databases and computing technologies.

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