What are Databases? Definition, Types, and Functions

If you deal with web and application development, you would surely know what a database is. In short, a database is a collection of digital data and information.

All this data and information is stored on a server or computer in a systematic and structured manner so that it can be managed easily and quickly.

Generally, databases are used to store website files so that they can be available on the internet. However, because there are so many different types of databases available, their functions vary as well.

If you want to learn more about a database, you are reading the right article! Here we'll cover everything you need to know about databases. Starting from the definition, types, and functions to the benefits. Let's just get started!

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What is a Database

A database is a collection of digital data stored systematically on a computer. This data set can be accessed and processed using a program.

All data in the database is generally stored in a structured manner to make it easier to access and process according to the project needs.

Data collections in databases are usually categorized into rows and columns in a series of tables to make data processing more efficient.

In this way, the collection of data in the database can be more easily accessed and managed by the user and the application that uses it.

In essence, a database is a place where a collection of data and information is stored so that it can be accessed and managed by a computer system.

You can also think of a database as a public library filled with books of various genres and other information. In this example, the public library acts as a database or container where data (various kinds of books & information) are stored in a neat and structured manner.

So, as a database user, you can easily select the books and information you want to read and retrieve them from the shelf where the data is stored.

Most of the existing databases are managed using a database management system (DBMS). 

Currently, the database is one of the most important aspects of technological development. Without it, there would be no platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

Because the database is stored on a computer network, you must understand the database management programming language to be able to access and manage the data.

Components of a Database

The database consists of several mandatory components, which are:

• Hardware — consists of electronic devices in physical form such as computers, servers, hard drive storage, etc.
• Software — any program or system used to access and manage a database, including the operating system and others.
• Data — information and data stored in databases can be in the form of files, videos, pictures, facts, observations, perceptions, numbers, characters, symbols, images, etc.
• Procedure — consists of a set of instructions and rules that help you use and manage a database management system (DBMS).
• Database Access Language — the language and commands used to access and manage all the data in the database.

Types of Database

Here are some of the most popular types of databases:

• Relational databases 

The relational database type uses a set of tables with various columns and rows to store and access data.

Relational database is one of the most popular database types widely used today. Examples of these databases are MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL.

Generally, relational database systems use SQL (structured query language) as the main programming language for managing data and queries.

• Object-oriented databases

As the name implies, all information and data stored in an object-oriented database type are in the form of an object, just like object-oriented programming.

Objects stored in the database have attributes and methods that determine the data function. One example of this type of database is PostgreSQL.

• Distributed databases

This type of database stores data on various devices or computers. These devices can be located in the same location or spread across different networks.

Although stored in different places, all the data in this database are interconnected. Examples of distributed databases are Apache Ignite and Amazon SimpleDB.

• NoSQL databases

NoSQL databases or non-relational databases allow unstructured and semi-structured data to be stored and managed easily. 

In contrast to relational databases, NoSQL databases are increasingly popular because many web applications are more complex and have unstructured data.

• Open-source databases

As the name implies, an open-source database is a database system that has a public source code. This means that everyone can use and develop it as they wish.

Types of open source databases include relational or non-relational databases. Examples of open-source databases are MariaDB, MongoDB, and Redis. 

• Cloud databases

A cloud database is a collection of structured or unstructured data stored on a private, public, or corporate cloud computing platform.

There are two types of cloud database models: traditional and database as a service (DBaaS). With DBaaS, the cloud service provider performs administrative and maintenance tasks.

Some of the other types of databases include: 

• Multimodal databases — a collection of several types of database models integrated into a single management backend. This type supports a wide variety of data types.  
• OLTP databases — OLTP databases are a type of database that is capable of fast query processing and maintaining data integrity in a multi-access environment.
• Graph databases — this type stores all data and information in the form of entities and relationships between entities themselves.
• Document/JSON databases — databases designed to store, retrieve, and manage information in the form of documents. The modern way to store data is in JSON format rather than columns and rows.

Functions of Database

Now that you know the meaning of a database, here are some of its functions:

• Collect and classify data and information systematically so that it is easier to access and manage.
• Reduce data redundancy or data repetition.
• Prevent duplication and inconsistent data and information.
• Provides extra protection through integrity constraints of all data stored in the database. 
• Reduce application and website development time and increase the platform's efficiency.
• Simplify the data management process (saving, updating, and deleting data can be done quickly and easily)
• Improve the performance of applications, platforms, and websites that require data storage.

Conclusion

The database is one of the most important aspects of information technology development today. Without a database, the data management process will take more time. Of course, this will affect the performance of applications, platforms, and sites that deal with a lot of data.

After reading this article about databases' definition, types, and functions, we hope you have gained sufficient knowledge about databases.