A database is basically an organised collection of structured information. This information or data is usually stored electronically on a computer system called a server.
Databases can be of any size and level of complexity. To make data queries and processing more efficient, the data is normally organised in rows, columns and tables. This type of database is called a relational database.
Databases are also dynamic, which means that you can add, delete and modify the information a database contains. Of course you can only do this if you have been granted access to it. Most databases also have some kind of security systems in place keep unauthorised users out.
Most databases use SQL (Structured Query Language) for writing and querying data. Although SQL is widely used, there are also a number of newer programming languages starting to appear.
Database Managment Systems
A database management system or DBMS, is software used to store and retrieve the database. Some of the database management systems in use today, include MYSQL, Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.
- A DBMS provides the interface to perform various operations like creation, deletion, modification etc.
- A database management system allows users to create databases that suit their specific requirements.
- A DBMS provides security for the database.
