What Is a Database? A Complete Beginner's Guide to Database Management Systems (DBMS) and Database Software part 2

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 What Is a Database? A Complete Beginner's Guide to Database Management Systems (DBMS) and Database Software part 2


Types of Databases

With the development of the technology, there are different types of databases have been developed to meet different business and technical requirements. Each type of database is developed for a specific purpose.

1. Relational Database( RDBMS )

A Relational Database Management System ( RDBMS ) is a type of database which stores data in the form of tables. Each table of a database contains rows ( records ) and columns ( Field ). The relationship between the tables are created by using different types of keys. The most useful keys are Primary key and Foreign key.
 
Features of Relational Database Management System ( RDBMS ) 
  1. It Stores data in a structured form.
  2. It uses SQL ( Structured Query Language ).
  3. It provides high accuracy and consistency of data.
  4. It also Supports relationships between tables.
  5. It is very easy to maintain.

Examples
  • MySQL
  • Oracle Database
  • PostgreSQL
  • Microsoft SQL server
Applications of Relational Database Management System ( RDBMS )
  1. It is mostly used in banking system.
  2. In schools and universities management systems.
  3. In E-commerce websites.
  4. In hospital management systems.
2. NoSQL Database

In the comparison of relation databases, NoSQL databases do not always stores data in the form of tables. They are essentially designed for handling lot amounts of structured data, semi structured data and unstructured data. It stores data in the form of collections, documents, and key-value maps. It has a high level distributed scalability. It scales out across many servers at a time rather than scaling up a single server.

Features of NoSQL Database
  1. It has a high flexible data structure.
  2. It gives high performance.
  3. It is scalable for large applications.
  4. It is suitable for cloud computing.
Examples
  • MongoDB
  • Cassandra
  • Redis
Applications of NoSQL Database

  1. It provides social media platforms.
  2. It gives real-time chat applications.
  3. It enhances AI and machine learning.
  4. It also gives big data analytics.
3. Distributed Database

A Distributed Database is a type of database that stores data across multiple computers or locations. But all the data that are stored at different places works together as one database. All the computers and physical locations are connected through Internet. For both end users and applications, the system functions as a single and unified Database Management System ( DBMS ).

Advantages of Distributed Database

  1. It provides the faster access of data.
  2. It gives better reliability than other databases models.
  3. It also gives improved availability.
  4. It also provides the easy data sharing across branches.
Applications of Distributed Databases

  1. It is mostly used in international banks.
  2. In airline reservation systems.
  3. It is also used in large multinational companies.
4. Cloud Database

Cloud databases are the databases that are hosted on cloud platform instead of local computers or servers. These databases live on remote Internet servers that are owned by a company like Amazon, Google, or Microsoft. These companies take care of your data. It eliminates the need for local hardware and maintenance. You need to pay to use it over the internet, and the provider takes care of the physical hardware, security, and maintenance.

Advantages of Cloud Database

  1. It provides the access of data from everywhere.
  2. It also gives the automatic backup system.
  3. It gives the easy scalability.
  4. It also provides the lower maintenance cost.
Examples

  • Google Cloud SQL
  • Amazon RDS
  • Microsoft  Azure SQL Database.


How are Databases Managed?

The management of databases means organizing the data, maintaining the data, securing the data, and updating information so that it remains accurate and useful. Management of database involves several important tasks.

1. Creating the database
The first step of creating a database is creating tables and defining how information will be stored in the tables.
2. Adding data
New records can be Inserted in the existing data whenever new information becomes available.
Examples:
  • It is mostly used in new student admission system
  • In new customer registration
  • New product in an online store
3. Updating data
The most useful benefits of a database is that whenever new information changes the database must be updated.
Examples:
  • Student changes address.
  • Customer updates phone number.
  • Employee salary increases.
4. Deleting data
Database also provides the benefit of removing or deleting old or unnecessary records safely without affecting other information.
5. Searching data
One of the biggest advantages of database is the ability to search millions of records within second without wasting time.

Introduction to SQL

SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is the standard  language of communication with relational databases. By using SQL users can:
  • Create databases
  • Create tables
  • Insert data
  • Update records
  • Delete records
  • Search information
  • Generate reports
There are some important commands that are commonly used in SQL:
  • CREADE
  • INSERT
  • SELECT
  • UPDATE
  • DELETE
The knowledge of SQL is very important and most valuable skills for database professionals. It is the basics of database handling.

Database Security

Data is one of the most variable assets for any organization. That is why protection of database is extremely important in any organization.
Good type of database security includes:
  • User authentication
  • Password protection
  • Data encryption
  • Role-based permissions
  • Firewalls
  • Regular monitoring
These measures helps to prevent an unauthorized access of data and gives protection of sensitive information.



Backup and Recovery

Sometimes an unexpected event happens, such as hardware failures, software crashes, viruses, or accidental deletion, that can cause data loss.
A backup is a copy of the database that is stored safely. Recovery is the process of restoring the lost data again from the backup.
The organizations regularly create backups of data to ensure that important information is never permanently lost.

Real-Life  Application of Databases
In the era of modern world databases are used almost in every field of life. 

Banking
Banks use databases:
  1. To store customers information
  2. To handle the account balance 
  3. Transaction histories 
  4. Loan records  
  5. ATM activities.
Healthcare
With the help of databases hospitals maintain:
  1. Patient records
  2. Prescriptions
  3. Laboratory reports
  4. Appointments schedules
  5. Medical history
Education
Schools and universities use databases to manage:
  1. Student registrations
  2. Attendance of students
  3. Examination results
  4. Timetables
  5. Library records
  6. Fee management
E-commerce
Online shopping platforms also use databases system to manage:
  1. Product catalogs
  2. Customer accounts
  3. Orders
  4. Payment histories
  5. Shipping details
  6. Reviews
Airline Reservation Systems
Airlines manage:
  1. Flight schedules
  2. Passenger bookings
  3. Wording passes
  4. Ticket availability
Through powerful databases.

Social Media
Social media platforms also store:
  1. User profiles
  2. Photos
  3. Videos
  4. Comments
  5. Messages
  6. Followers
Every action that is performed by the user of any social media platforms is recorded inside databases.

Streaming Platforms
Different types of services like video and music streaming platforms also maintain:
  1. User accounts
  2. Watch history
  3. Recommendations
  4. Playlists
  5. Subscription details
by using databases.

Advantages of Databases
  • The organized form of data storage.
  • Fast searching ability.
  • More improved security.
  • Reduced duplication of information.
  • Better accuracy of data.
  • Easy data sharing.
  • Facility of backup and recovery.
  • It sports multiple users simultaneously.
The Limitation of Database

Although databases gives us many advantages, but they also have some challenges. These are:
  • The initial setup of databases is very expensive.
  • Large databases require skilled administration.
  • Hardware or software failure of databases can interrupt services.
  • Poor security measures may lead to data leakage.
Conclusion

In the era of modern world Databases have become the backbone of every technology. They really make it possible to store, organize, retrieve, and manage huge amounts of information efficiently. You must see databases. Databases are working behind every field to keep your information accurate and secure. They are necessarily used in online banking, shopping on E-commerce website, booking an airline ticket, or accessing your university portals.

Learning databases is not only important for computer science students but it is also for anyone that are interested in technology. With the knowledge of database concepts, DBMS, SQL, and popular database software you can work in every IT field . You also build a strong foundation of advanced fields such as Web Development, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity.

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