Database \u2013 A database is an organized collection of data.
\nFor
\nexample:- In a stationary shop, detailed records of the materials
\navailable in the shop is database. Similarly in a computerized system,
\nwe need to maintain several files, we would used database programs
\nsuch as Microsoft Access, OpenOffice.org Base, and MySQL. These
\ndatabase programs are used to organize the data as per our needs in
\nthe computer system.<\/p>\n
Database Management System (DBMS) – A database management
\nsystem is a software package with computer programs that controls
\nthe creation, maintenance and use of a database.
\nA DBMS allows
\ndifferent user application programs to concurrently access the same
\ndatabase. Some of the DBMSs are Oracle, IBM DB2, Microsoft SQL
\nserver, Microsoft Access, PostgreSQL, MySQL, FoxPro and SQLite.
\nData can be organized into two types:-
\nFlat File: Data is stored in a single table. Usually suitable for less
\namount of data.
\nRelational: Data is stored in multiple tables and the tables are linked
\nusing a common field. Relational is suitable for medium to large
\namount of data.
\nDatabase Servers \u2013 Database servers are dedicated computers that
\nhold the actual databases and run only the DBMS and related
\nsoftware. Databases on the database servers are accessed through
\ncommand line or graphic user interface tools referred to as Frontends;
\ndatabase servers are referred to as Back-ends. Such type of data
\naccess is referred to as Client-server model.
\nRDBMS:- A relational database management system (RDBMS) is a
\ndatabase management system that is based on the relational model. In
\nthe relational model of a database, all data is represented in terms of
\ntuples (rows), grouped into relations (tables). A database organized in
\nterms the relational model is a relational database.<\/p>\n