{"id":1696,"date":"2011-11-02T14:58:36","date_gmt":"2011-11-02T14:58:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/database\/"},"modified":"2024-11-22T14:36:30","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T14:36:30","slug":"database","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/database-db","title":{"rendered":"Database (DB)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span id=\"what_is_a_database\">What is a Database?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A database is a type of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4356\/software\">software<\/a> that lets you arrange information in a coherent structure, making it easier to work with. When information is stored in an organized way, for example, in tables with rows and columns, it becomes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/807\/data\">data<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Data can then be accessed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24361\/database-management-systems-dbms\">database management systems<\/a> (DBMS) or edited using database software. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4426\/spreadsheet\">Spreadsheets<\/a> are an elementary form of database and easy to use.<\/p>\n<p>The term database, however, generally refers to large data repositories used by software programs, where data is accessed using a specialized <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/3948\/query-language\">query language<\/a> like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/1245\/structured-query-language-sql\">SQL<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/What-is-a-Database.jpg\" alt=\"What is a Database?\" width=\"1200\" height=\"656\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-361068\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/What-is-a-Database.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/What-is-a-Database-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/What-is-a-Database-1024x560.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/What-is-a-Database-768x420.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/What-is-a-Database-1536x839.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/What-is-a-Database-1200x656.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/What-is-a-Database-1980x1082.jpg 1980w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e5e54c;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#FFFF66;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<h2><span id=\"key_takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>A database allows you to store information in a consistent structure.<\/li>\n<li>Databases are a vital component of modern software. Most applications would be useless without them.<\/li>\n<li>There are dozens of database types and formats.<\/li>\n<li>They bring efficiency and added capabilities to organizations, though enterprise databases can be expensive and complex to manage.<\/li>\n<li>Database technology continues to evolve, with blockchain and AI shaping the latest innovations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n    <section class=\"toc-sticky w-100 bg-white \">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\"\n                 aria-controls=\"multiCollapse1\"\n                 data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse1\">\n                <button\n                        class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                >\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n                <span class=\"toc-main-title-permanent\">Table of Contents<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n                    class=\"collapse my-3\"\n                    id=\"multiCollapse1\"\n            >\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item current\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"what_is_a_database\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_is_a_database\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">What is a Database?<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"evolution_of_databases\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"evolution_of_databases\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Evolution of Databases<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"what_are_databases_used_for\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_are_databases_used_for\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">What are Databases Used For?<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"types_of_databases\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"types_of_databases\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Types of Databases<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"database_components\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"database_components\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Database Components<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"database_vs_spreadsheet\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"database_vs_spreadsheet\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Database vs. Spreadsheet<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"what_is_a_database_management_system\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_is_a_database_management_system\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">What is a Database Management System?<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"database_future\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"database_future\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Database Future<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"database_pros_and_cons\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"database_pros_and_cons\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Database Pros and Cons<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                    <\/ol>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__container__disperse\"><\/div>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__btn-top justify-content-center\">\n                    <button class=\"btn btn-link d-flex align-items-center\" onclick={btnTop()}><p>Show Full Guide<\/p><img decoding=\"async\"\n                                src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/table-of-contents\/assets\/images\/arrow-up-circle.svg\"\n                                alt=\"arrow-up-circle\">\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <div class=\"toc-sticky-list\">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-controls=\"multiCollapse2\" data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse2\">\n                <button class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\">\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div  class=\"collapse my-3\" id=\"multiCollapse2\">\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item current \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"what_is_a_database\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_is_a_database\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">What is a Database?<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"evolution_of_databases\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"evolution_of_databases\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Evolution of Databases<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"show_moretoc\">Show Full Guide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"what_are_databases_used_for\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_are_databases_used_for\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">What are Databases Used For?<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"types_of_databases\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"types_of_databases\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Types of Databases<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"database_components\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"database_components\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Database Components<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"database_vs_spreadsheet\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"database_vs_spreadsheet\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Database vs. Spreadsheet<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"what_is_a_database_management_system\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_is_a_database_management_system\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">What is a Database Management System?<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"database_future\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"database_future\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Database Future<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"database_pros_and_cons\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"database_pros_and_cons\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Database Pros and Cons<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div 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}\n<\/script>\n\n<h2><span id=\"evolution_of_databases\">Evolution of Databases<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While humans have stored information physically in books and journals for millennia, computerized databases were first created in the 1960s. The development of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/6597\/computing\">computing<\/a> and database technologies has been interlinked ever since.<\/p>\n<p>The original database models were called CODASYL, which used a flexible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/30613\/network-model-databases\">network model<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/26859\/information-management-system\">information management system<\/a> (IMS), which used a tree-like hierarchical model. The first database management system to go into wide commercial usage was the SABRE reservations system, built by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/investing\/ibm-stock-forecast\">IBM<\/a> for American Airlines and later adopted by the wider travel industry.<\/p>\n<p>The success of SABRE led to further developments, which enabled larger volumes of data to be stored and used by greater numbers of people. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/1234\/relational-database-rdb\">Relational databases<\/a> (RDBs) became popular in the 1980s, while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/12027\/object-oriented-database-management-system-oodbms\">object-oriented databases<\/a> were developed in the 1990s.<\/p>\n<p>With the growth of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2419\/internet\">Internet<\/a>, a new form of database called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/27689\/nosql-database\">NoSQL<\/a> accommodated faster processing of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/13865\/unstructured-data\">unstructured data<\/a>. Today, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/26523\/cloud-database\">cloud databases<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/32099\/automation\">automation<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/190\/artificial-intelligence-ai\">artificial intelligence<\/a> (AI) are driving new innovations in the way data is collected, stored, managed, and utilized.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"what_are_databases_used_for\">What are Databases Used For?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Databases are an essential building block of modern software, allowing large amounts of data to be stored and accessed from one location. With databases, end users and organizations can quickly view, modify, edit, organize, manage, and share their data.<\/p>\n<p>They can hold information on people, financial figures, scientific measurements, demographics, events, or geographic locations. Information is stored in one place for observation and analysis.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"types_of_databases\">Types of Databases<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Types-of-Databases.jpg\" alt=\"Types of Databases\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1464\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-361073\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Types-of-Databases.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Types-of-Databases-246x300.jpg 246w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Types-of-Databases-839x1024.jpg 839w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Types-of-Databases-768x937.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Types-of-Databases-1259x1536.jpg 1259w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Types-of-Databases-1678x2048.jpg 1678w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Types-of-Databases-1200x1464.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Types-of-Databases-1980x2416.jpg 1980w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There are several dozen database types being used today. While many are designed for specific scientific, financial, or other industry use cases, these are the most common:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim\">\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Relational databases<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/1234\/relational-database-rdb\">Information is organized into tables with rows and columns<\/a>. It&#8217;s considered to be the most accessible database format, especially for non-technical users, providing flexibility in the way data is structured and accessed. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Distributed databases<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/1195\/distributed-database\">Brings together information from two or more files held in different locations<\/a>. Data can be stored on different computers at one physical location or spread across devices connected to multiple networks. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Object-oriented databases (OODBs)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/8639\/object-oriented-database\">Information is organized into objects instead of tables with rows and columns<\/a>. Objects, in this sense, mean a kind of container that can hold data or a bundle of actions that manipulate data automatically. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Data warehouses (DWs)<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> These are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/1184\/data-warehouse-dw\">large-scale, centralized data repositories<\/a> that hold huge volumes of data but still make it accessible for fast querying by SaaS applications and sophisticated analytics programs. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>NoSQL databases<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/27689\/nosql-database\">Enable the storage and manipulation of unstructured and semi-structured data<\/a>. As cloud applications have extended their reach and become more complex, NoSQL databases have grown in popularity. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Graph databases<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/30577\/graph-database\">Data is stored in separate entities<\/a> with defined relationships between them. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Cloud database<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/26523\/cloud-database\">large collection of structured and unstructured data<\/a> held on a public, private, or hybrid cloud platform. There are two types: the traditional cloud database model and the database as a service (DBaaS) model. <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"database_components\">Database Components<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A database has <strong>five major components<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2210\/hardware-hw\">Hardware<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Software<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/3727\/procedure\">Procedures<\/a><\/li>\n<li>The database access or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/3948\/query-language\">query language<\/a><\/li>\n<li>The data itself<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"database_vs_spreadsheet\">Database vs. Spreadsheet<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"su-table su-table-responsive su-table-alternate\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Database<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Spreadsheet<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Designed for many users<\/td>\n<td>Designed for single users<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Can accommodate huge volumes of data<\/td>\n<td>Only suitable for limited amounts of data<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Suitable for sophisticated computing operations and complex logic applied at scale<\/td>\n<td>Suitable for standard mathematical calculations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Data can be manipulated in multiple ways by different applications<\/td>\n<td>Data is manipulated manually by the end user through a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5435\/graphical-user-interface-gui\">GUI<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"what_is_a_database_management_system\">What is a Database Management System?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A database management system (DBMS) is a type of software designed to create, structure, edit, and manage databases. It gives users a tool to save, organize, and access large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.<\/p>\n<p>A DBMS acts as a virtual filing cabinet, enabling organizations to keep different kinds of files in large volumes and still find and access information quickly.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"database_future\">Database Future<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Experts believe databases will continue to become more distributed and decentralized, shaped by technologies like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/8181\/machine-learning-ml\">machine learning<\/a> (ML) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/30246\/blockchain\">blockchain<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/introduction-to-blockchain\">Blockchain technology<\/a> allows data to be stored and verified by a network of users, eliminating the need for a central management tool.<\/p>\n<p>AI is improving data management, and automating labor-intensive tasks around ingestion, cleaning, and query optimization. It can also enable databases to identify historical data patterns and learn from them to optimize query performance at scale.<\/p>\n<p>As the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/32989\/digital-economy\">digital economy<\/a> expands, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/26464\/data-security\">data security<\/a> has become a major concern, one reason why database technology needs to be paired with tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/antivirus\/best-antivirus-software\">anti-virus software<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"database_pros_and_cons\">Database Pros and Cons<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"su-row\"><div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-2\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<h3>Pros<\/h3>\n<div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Eliminates data redundancy<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Simplifies the storage and retention of key information<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Enables employees to work faster and more efficiently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-2 pros_icons_\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<h3>Cons<\/h3>\n<div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Databases for corporate and government use can be expensive, especially for smaller organizations<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Enterprise-level databases can also demand significant computing resources<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Can be complex and require specialized skill sets to operate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"the_bottom_line\">The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Any definition of technology would be incomplete without a discussion of databases. They play a pivotal role in the digital economy, providing a centralized store of information that applications and end users can apply to specific problems.<\/p>\n<p>The right database technology can give an organization several advantages, including greater efficiency, robust security, backup and recovery capabilities, and scalability for future growth.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"man_faq_sec\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\"><\/time><section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is a database in simple terms?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">A database is a digital filing cabinet, meaning it stores data in a structured way that makes information easy to find and access. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is an example of a database?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Oracle database is one of the most popular databases for corporate use. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is the main purpose of a database?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">The main purpose of a database is to securely store large quantities of information for fast access by other computer systems. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is a MySQL database?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">MySQL is a popular open source database management system. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Is Excel a database?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Excel allows users to create spreadsheets, which are a simple form of database. Spreadsheets are not practical, however, as a source of data for modern business applications. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a Database? A database is a type of software that lets you arrange information in a coherent structure, making it easier to work with. When information is stored in an organized way, for example, in tables with rows and columns, it becomes data. Data can then be accessed by database management systems (DBMS) [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":286786,"featured_media":361067,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"definitioncat":[227,222],"class_list":["post-1696","definition","type-definition","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","definitioncat-data-management","definitioncat-database"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is a Database? 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