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Introduction

In this topic we will learn about basic concepts about database. I hope that after reading this post you can answer questions like: What is the database?, what are differences between relational (SQL) and non-relational (NoSQL) database? advantages and disavantages of relational and non-relational database.

What Is The Data?#

  • Data is a collection of a distinct small unit of information. It can be used in a variety of forms like text, numbers, media, bytes, etc. it can be stored in pieces of paper or electronic memory, etc.

  • Word Data is originated from the word datum that means single piece of information. Data is plural of the word datum.

  • In computing, Data is information that can be translated into a form for efficient movement and processing. Data is interchangeable.

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What Is The Database?#

  • A database is an organized collection of data, so that it can be easily accessed and managed. You can organize data into tables, rows, columns, and index it to make it easier to find relevant information.

  • The main purpose of the database is to operate a large amount of information by storing, retrieving, and managing data.

  • Modern databases are managed by the database management system (DBMS). It is a program that allows you to create, update, and administer a relational database.

What Is The Relational Database?#

  • A relational database is a type of database. It uses a structure that allows us to identify and access data in relation to another piece of data in the database. Often, data in a relational database is organized into tables.

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  • Let's see an example about relationships of tables in database.

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Tables: Rows AND Columns?#

  • Tables can have hundreds, thousands, sometimes even millions of rows of data. These rows are often called records.

  • Tables can also have many columns of data. Columns are labeled with a descriptive name (customerName, city for example) and have a specific data type (Number, String, ...).

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What Is The Non-Relational Database?#

  • A non-relational database is a database that does not use the tabular schema of rows and columns found in most traditional database systems. Instead, non-relational databases use a storage model that is optimized for the specific requirements of the type of data being stored. For example, data may be stored as simple key/value pairs, as JSON documents, or as a graph consisting of edges and vertices.

  • More information

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Advantages And Disavantages Of Relational and Non-Relational Database#

NoSQL Databases Traditional SQL Databases
Works with variable data Requires data to be in a structured format
Can handle large volumes of rapidly changing data Can handle considerably large volumes of similar data
Horizontal Scalability – Can scale across systems and servers Vertical Scalability - Can scale better as the allocated system resources are increased
Designed with low-cost hardware in mind Designed with high-performance hardware in mind

See Also#

References#