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What is a Database

A database is an organized collection of data that allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and management of information. Databases are crucial in modern applications for efficient data management, fast retrieval, security, integrity, scalability, and automation. They are classified into relational (SQL-based) and non-relational (NoSQL-based) types, each serving different purposes in various applications.

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Chamodya Rathnayake
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14 views3 pages

What is a Database

A database is an organized collection of data that allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and management of information. Databases are crucial in modern applications for efficient data management, fast retrieval, security, integrity, scalability, and automation. They are classified into relational (SQL-based) and non-relational (NoSQL-based) types, each serving different purposes in various applications.

Uploaded by

Chamodya Rathnayake
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is a Database?

A database is an organized collection of data that allows users to store,


retrieve, manage, and manipulate information efficiently. It ensures that
data is structured, easily accessible, and can be updated as needed.

Example: A student records system in a university database stores


student details, course enrollments, and grades.

Importance of Databases in Modern Applications

Databases play a crucial role in modern technology by enabling efficient data


management. Here’s why they are important:

1. Efficient Data Management – Databases help store large amounts of


structured data in an organized manner.

2. Fast Data Retrieval – Using queries, users can quickly find and
retrieve information.

3. Data Security – Databases provide access control mechanisms to


protect sensitive data.

4. Data Integrity – Ensures that stored data remains accurate and


consistent.

5. Scalability – Databases support large-scale applications with


thousands or even millions of users.

6. Automation – Many business processes rely on databases for


automating operations, such as transactions and customer records.

Example: Online shopping websites like Amazon use databases to store


customer details, product catalogs, and purchase history.

Types of Databases (Relational vs. Non-Relational)

Databases are broadly classified into two main types:

1. Relational Databases (SQL-based)

 Structure: Stores data in tables with rows and columns.

 Uses Structured Query Language (SQL) to manage and


manipulate data.
 Data relationships are established using Primary Keys and
Foreign Keys.

 Ensures data integrity and consistency.

 Examples: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server

Example Table (Students Database):

Student_ Nam Ag Cours


ID e e e

101 Amra 21 CS

102 Sew 22 IT

💡 Used in: Banking systems, enterprise applications, and online transaction


systems.

2. Non-Relational Databases (NoSQL-based)

 Structure: Stores data in formats like documents, key-value pairs,


graphs, or wide-column stores instead of tables.

 No strict schema, allowing flexible data storage.

 Designed for large-scale distributed data storage.

 Examples: MongoDB, Cassandra, Firebase, Amazon DynamoDB

Example (Document-based in MongoDB):

json

CopyEdit

"Student_ID": 101,

"Name": "Amra",

"Age": 21,

"Courses": ["CS", "AI"]

}
💡 Used in: Social media platforms, real-time applications, and big data
analytics.

Key Differences: Relational vs. Non-Relational

Feature Relational (SQL) Non-Relational (NoSQL)

Data Flexible (Documents, Key-Value,


Tables (Rows & Columns)
Structure Graphs)

Schema Fixed schema Schema-less (Flexible)

Query
SQL Varies (JSON, API-based)
Language

Scalability Vertical Scaling Horizontal Scaling (Distributed)

Structured Data (Banking, Unstructured Data (Social Media,


Best For
ERP) IoT)

Both types of databases serve different purposes, and modern applications


often use a combination of both based on their needs. 🚀

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