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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) or edited using database software. Spreadsheets are an elementary form of database and easy to use.
The term database, however, generally refers to large data repositories used by software programs, where data is accessed using a specialized query language like SQL.
Key Takeaways
- A database allows you to store information in a consistent structure.
- Databases are a vital component of modern software. Most applications would be useless without them.
- There are dozens of database types and formats.
- They bring efficiency and added capabilities to organizations, though enterprise databases can be expensive and complex to manage.
- Database technology continues to evolve, with blockchain and AI shaping the latest innovations.
Evolution of Databases
While humans have stored information physically in books and journals for millennia, computerized databases were first created in the 1960s. The development of computing and database technologies has been interlinked ever since.
The original database models were called CODASYL, which used a flexible network model, and information management system (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 IBM for American Airlines and later adopted by the wider travel industry.
The success of SABRE led to further developments, which enabled larger volumes of data to be stored and used by greater numbers of people. Relational databases (RDBs) became popular in the 1980s, while object-oriented databases were developed in the 1990s.
With the growth of the Internet, a new form of database called NoSQL accommodated faster processing of unstructured data. Today, cloud databases, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are driving new innovations in the way data is collected, stored, managed, and utilized.
What are Databases Used For?
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.
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.
Types of Databases
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:
Database Components
A database has five major components:
- Hardware
- Software
- Procedures
- The database access or query language
- The data itself
Database vs. Spreadsheet
| Database | Spreadsheet |
|---|---|
| Designed for many users | Designed for single users |
| Can accommodate huge volumes of data | Only suitable for limited amounts of data |
| Suitable for sophisticated computing operations and complex logic applied at scale | Suitable for standard mathematical calculations |
| Data can be manipulated in multiple ways by different applications | Data is manipulated manually by the end user through a GUI |
What is a Database Management System?
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.
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.
Database Future
Experts believe databases will continue to become more distributed and decentralized, shaped by technologies like machine learning (ML) and blockchain.
Blockchain technology allows data to be stored and verified by a network of users, eliminating the need for a central management tool.
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.
As the digital economy expands, data security has become a major concern, one reason why database technology needs to be paired with tools like anti-virus software.
Database Pros and Cons
Pros
- Eliminates data redundancy
- Simplifies the storage and retention of key information
- Enables employees to work faster and more efficiently
Cons
- Databases for corporate and government use can be expensive, especially for smaller organizations
- Enterprise-level databases can also demand significant computing resources
- Can be complex and require specialized skill sets to operate
The Bottom Line
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.
The right database technology can give an organization several advantages, including greater efficiency, robust security, backup and recovery capabilities, and scalability for future growth.
