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A '''database''' is a collection of data that can be accessed by computers. Databases are used in many different applications, including business, Information Technology (IT), and Software Development.

In computing, a database typically refers to an electronic system consisting of one or more Computer files that are organized into tables and stored on a server. The data in the table may be queried using standard SQL commands.


== What is the definition of a database in computing? ==
A database is an organized collection of structured data or information, typically stored electronically in a computer system.

In computing, a database is a system for storing and retrieving data.  A database is usually controlled by a database management system (DBMS). A database management system (DBMS) helps users search and retrieve data from a database. A database can be saved in various ways, including as a single file or as a group of files. A database must be able to provide cross-referencing functionality. 

Most databases use structured query language (SQL) for writing and querying data.

*A relational database is a digital database based on the relational model of data, as proposed by E. F. Codd in 1970. A software system used to maintain relational databases is a relational database management system (RDBMS). Virtually all relational database systems use SQL as their standard query language.
*A non-relational database, also called a NoSQL database, is a database that uses a different data model than relational databases. These data models allow for more flexibility regarding how data is organized and accessed.

Databases are beneficial because they can store a large amount of data effectively, allow for quick and easy data retrieval, support data modification and deletion, and enable sorting and searching using techniques like indexing and binary searching. Additionally, databases provide increased security for data compared to physical paper files.


== What is the list of benefits of using a database? ==
There are many benefits of using a database. 
#Database storage provides an organized space where data can be stored and accessed: A database can store data in multiple formats and support many different storage structures. This makes it an important tool for storing and managing information. Additionally, a database can be used by multiple users simultaneously, which makes it an efficient way to share information between users.
#atabase systems can be used to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data: A database system is a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes. It helps businesses build an archive, understand their data, and make better decisions. It enables organizations to operate independently and with minimal data redundancy. Redundancies in a database system can improve data sharing and security. Database systems speed up application development by automating tasks such as data design and implementation. A database system can also help programmers concentrate on functions necessary for a new application without having to define data.
#Database systems can be used to improve business processes: Databases can be used to store data for various purposes, such as improving business processes and keeping track of customers.
Databases are often used to store personal health information. Databases can be used to store personal data as well.
#*A database system can provide valuable information about a business, including data about interactions between customers and employees.
#*A database helps an organization archive and store data so it can be accessed in the future for analysis.
#*A database system allows different programs to use data without affecting each other, and it minimizes data redundancy.
#*Databases can reduce the amount of data that needs to be stored, making it easier to find and use information.
#Database systems can be used to improve data security: Databases can help protect a company's data from security breaches and hacking activities. Enforcing data security can be difficult and costly, but databases make it much easier by integrating different data sources into a single database. Additionally, APIs allow applications to connect to the database management system, making it easier for users to access and interact with the data.
#Database systems can be used to improve data usability: Databases improve data usability by storing data and allowing for analysis. A database system minimizes the risk of data duplication and ensures information is stored independently. Database systems help businesses reduce redundancy by integrating data into a single, logical structure. Databases eliminate redundancies and improve data sharing and security. Database systems increase application development productivity, making it faster to develop new applications. A DBMS automates many of the activities involved in developing a database, speeding up the process.
#Database systems can be used to improve data accuracy: A database system can help a business gain valuable information about its past, present, and future. A database system can also help build an archive of important data. Databases are reliable and efficient, making them a great choice for businesses. Databases can help reduce redundancies and improve data sharing. Databases improve data security and application development productivity. A database system can be used to store data, manage applications, and execute stored procedures.
#Database systems can be used to improve data integrity: A database provides a way to store data about a business and for building an archive. A database system helps in the decision-making process and provides insight into information. A database system is independent of applications, minimizes data redundancy, and allows for minimal change to programs that use it. Databases improve data sharing by allowing different groups with specialized access to the same data. Databases provide increased security and help speed up application development. A DBMS helps automate many common application development tasks, such as data design and implementation.
#Database systems can be used to improve data availability: A database system is essential for businesses that want to make informed decisions and increase profits. It helps businesses build an archive of past data and understand trends. A database system is independent of applications and data, allowing for minimal data redundancy.
A database system can improve data sharing and security, as well as speed up application development. A DBMS helps automate tasks such as data design and implementation. Using a database system is faster than developing applications without one. Keeping data safe and secure is important as data breaches become more common. Organizations require real-time access to their data to make quick decisions and take advantage of new opportunities. Managing a database can be complicated and expensive, requiring a large infrastructure and many employees.
A database is a great tool for scaling a business because it can be used to ensure high availability and performance.
#Database systems can be used to improve data portability: A database can offer a number of benefits to businesses, including improved data security and faster data access. A database can also help automate activities such as the design and implementation of a database, making application development faster.


== What are the most popular types of databases? ==

*'''Relational databases'''
**Relational databases provide effective and versatile data access. They are easy to use and efficient.
**Relational DBMS systems are currently the most popular types of databases.
**Relational databases provide effective and versatile data access: Relational DBMS systems offer the most effective and versatile approach to accessing structured data.
**Relational databases are easy to use and efficient: Relational DBMS systems are easy to use, efficient, and reliable.
*NoSQL databases
**NoSQL databases have many benefits that make them a good choice for various applications. They are easy to use and maintain, flexible, fast, and can scale easily as your needs grow.
**NoSQL databases suit a wide range of data: They can handle many data models, making them useful for various applications.
**NoSQL databases are useful for distributed data: NoSQL databases are useful for distributing large amounts of data across many servers.
**NoSQL databases are easy to use and maintain: They do not require the same level of precision as traditional relational database systems, making them easier to manage and update.
**NoSQL databases are flexible: NoSQL databases are designed to be more flexible and easy to work with, allowing you to quickly develop custom applications without having to concern yourself with the traditional SQL database limitations.
**Many NoSQL databases are fast, making them a great choice for high-traffic websites.
**NoSQL databases can easily grow as your needs grow, allowing you to handle large amounts of data without worrying about performance issues.
*Graph databases
**Graph databases are beneficial for searching the relationship between data, identifying the source of IP telephony, and finding patterns and relationships in your data. Graph database algorithms can suggest posts or friends to you.
**Graph databases are beneficial for searching the relationship between data: Graph databases allow you to search for relationships between data.
**Graph databases are useful in supply chain management: Graph databases are beneficial for identifying the source of IP telephony.
**Graph databases are good social media applications: They represent data as a graph, making it easy to find relevant information.
**Graph databases help you find patterns in data: Graph databases are helpful for finding patterns and relationships in your data.
**Graph database algorithms can suggest posts or friends to you: Algorithms used in social media apps, such as MarkLogic, also work on graph databases.
**Graph databases are useful for storing and managing large amounts of data: graphs can store a lot of information very efficiently.
*Document databases
**MongoDB, CouchDB, and Cassandra are all popular document databases. They are easy to work with and access and store data in document collections.
*Hybrid databases
**Cloudant enables organizations to scale big and continue running applications offline: Cloudant's ability to push database access to the farthest edge of the network, such as mobile devices, remote facilities, sensors, and Internet-enabled goods, makes it ideal for organizations that need to be able to scale quickly.
**Clusters can span multiple data centers: Cloudant's clusters can span multiple data centers, making it a more reliable and robust solution.
**You can easily optimize your data reach and service level agreements: You can mix and match cloud providers to accommodate growing data management needs.
**The hybrid concept is beneficial for financial organizations: The hybrid concept is beneficial for financial organizations because it allows them to use the database as a central repository for all their disparate data sources.
**Database-as-a-service offers near real-time access to data anywhere in the world: Database-as-a-service offered by Cloudant provides near real-time access to data globally.
**Cloudant enables you to scale big and enable applications to continue running while offline: Cloudant enables you to push database access to the farthest edge of the network, such as mobile devices, remote facilities, sensors, and Internet-enabled goods.
**You can start small and grow big with hybrid databases: Start small and grow big by elastically scaling on demand.
**Clusters can span multiple data centers: Clusters can span multiple data centers for increased performance and reach.
**Manage your cloud yourself or let a provider manage it for you: You can manage your cloud yourself or let a provider manage it for you
**You can easily optimize your data reach and service level agreements: You can mix and match cloud providers to accommodate growing data management needs.
**The hybrid concept is beneficial for financial organizations: By using the database as a central repository, you can deliver your data in JSON format to different regions worldwide, reducing latency and improving performance.
**You break up your data into manageable pieces. Hence, it's easier to manage: Financial organizations embrace the hybrid concept by using the database as a central repository for all their disparate data sources.
**Database-as-a-service offers near real-time access to data anywhere in the world: Database-as-a-service can replicate and distribute your data immediately, offering near real-time access to data worldwide.
**Cloud databases use the new hybrid cloud concept: Cloud databases collect, deliver, replicate, and push your data using the new hybrid cloud concept.
You no longer have to deploy dependent middleware: You don't have to deploy the dependent middleware anymore when you use database-as-a-service because it comes with it already installed on their servers.

The five major components of a database are hardware, software, data, and applications: Hardware refers to physical devices such as computers and hard disks that offer an interface between computers and real-world systems; Software refers to programs used to manage and control the database; Data referRaw facts& information that need organizing for processing making it more meaningful; Applications are used accessed or manipulated by users.

Procedures help you manage and control your database: Procedures provide instructions for everything from setup to daily operations.

Database Access Language helps you write commands for data access: Users can create new databases and tables, insert data, and delete data using this language.

You can easily access your data: Through utilizing the language, users can create new databases and tables and insert data quickly and easily.


== History of Databases ==

=== 1960s, navigational DBMS ===
The navigational DBMS was developed in the 1960s and allowed applications to navigate around linked data sets. This approach formed a large network, which influenced other database languages.

=== 1970s, relational DBMS ===
Relational DBMS was popular in the 1970s because it was simpler and more efficient than earlier databases. The relational model had been proposed by E.F. Codd in 1970, and it found widespread use in the 1980s due to its convenience for client/server communication, parallel data transfers, and GUI usage.
Integrated approach

IBM has a long history of developing integrated cloud database solutions. These solutions help to improve a company's data governance and data quality. The integrated approach has helped IBM to become one of the leading providers of cloud database services.
The reference discusses how the integrated approach has helped in the past and how it can be used currently to help a company with data governance and quality.

=== Late 1970s, SQL DBMS ===
The SQL DBMS was designed in the late 1970s to make data access more convenient for non-programmers. The relational model was convenient for client/server communication, parallel data transfers, and a GUI. SQL DBMS has revolutionized the way we store and access information.

=== The 1980s, on the desktop ===
In the 1980s, desktop computers were powered by spreadsheets and database software like dBASE. This made it easy for people to use and transfer data between different computers. The relational model appeared in the 1970s, but it wasn't widely adopted until the 1980s. The relational model led to the development of the Internet. The relational model was convenient for client/server communication, parallel data transfers, and GUI usage.

=== 1990s, object-oriented ===
In the 1990s, many programmers turned to object-oriented programming (OOP) to help manage data complexity. OOP allows developers to create objects that can be used and reused differently. This can make code more modular and easier to understand. Additionally, OOP can help reduce the amount of duplicate code, making applications more efficient.

=== 2000s, NoSQL and NewSQL ===
NoSQL databases emerged in the early 2000s as an alternative to the more traditional relational databases. They are characterized by their ability to scale horizontally and store data in various formats. This makes them particularly useful for handling large sets of distributed data. Some examples of NoSQL database systems include MongoDB, CouchDB, Cloudant, Memcached, Redis, Coherence, HBase, Big Table, and Accumulo.

NewSQL is a relatively new category of database that aims to combine the best attributes of both XML and NoSQL databases. NewSQL systems use SQL queries for data manipulation and typically offer strong flexibility and scalability while maintaining ACID compliance.


== See Also ==
*[[Data]]
*[[C.R.U.D]]
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