Types of Database
1. Flat File Database
A flat file database is an excellent way of storing a pretty small amount of records. Flat file can be a plain text file. Flat file are generally not a structural relationships between the records. For example a spread sheet application such as Excel can be used as a flat file database. Each row in a worksheet can be a record and each column and a field. Flat file database can also be stored in a dedicated database application such as Access.
Installing database in flat file database has the following advantages:
• All record are storing in one place
• Easy to set up using a number of standard office applications
• Easy to understand
• Simple siting of records can be carried out
• Record can be viewed or extracted on the basis of criteria
Flat file database has a few disadvantages:
One of the most important ones is the data often repeated many times
• There is no referential integrity
• Harder to update
• Almost no security
• Harder to change data format
A flat file database looks something like this:
2. Relational Database
Relational Databases is a structural collection of records in a computer system. Relational Databases has more than one table and the tables are connected using a unique identifier for a database record. For example a library database could have three tables such as customer, books and landing.
The following advantaged of relational database:
• The book 's details and the customer 's details need
Data objects can model relational data or advanced data types such as graphics, movies, and audio. Smalltalk, C++, Java, and others are objects used in object-oriented data. The object-relational is a combination of relational and object-oriented databases. Traditional and advanced data types can be used to construct database management systems. These systems can connect to a company’s website and update records as needed. Database Approach The main purpose of a database is data storage that can be stored and retrieved when needed. A popular common language called structured query language (SQL) is used to store and retrieve data in relational database. This language enables the systems to run a report or modify data or remove the data from the database. A database management system (DBMS) controls all aspects of a database, this is not limited to the creation, maintenance, and use of database. The DBMS ensures proper applications are able to access the database. An important purpose of a DBMS is to maintain the data definitions (data dictionary) for all the data elements in the database. It also enforces data integrity and security measures. Data Models Data models provide a contextual framework and graphical representation that aid in the definition of data elements. In a relational database, the data model lays the foundation for the database and identifies important entities,
Relational Database Management Systems are probably the ones that we are most familiar with in 21st century computer science. Relational databases store
UNIX systems use to use flat files for storing data. Word processors and spreadsheet software can create flat files. Health Care facilities might use this type of data file for posting employee phone lists.
Database model defines the logical structure of the database by determining manner in which the data will be stored. Relational model is one of the most popular database models, which defines tables and relationships between the tables.
General a database has a lot of tables and some tables are related to each other so relationship is use to make the connection between two or more tables. It is a method to avoid excessive data and to ensure the data integrity. There have three types of relationships:
Relational data is when you can put data in a computer one time and it grows
The tables in relational databases organize data in rows and columns, simplifying data access and manipulation. It is easier for manager to understand the relational model than put all data in one table. Besides, a relational database allows tables to be linked. And the linkage reduces data redundancy and allows data to be organized more logically. In a word, relational database is easier to control, more flexible, and more intuitive than approaches.
A one-to-many database relationship is where each row in a table can be related to many other rows in another table. With being able to do this you can use frequently used data from one data and reference it many
A database is an ordered collection of associated information. Database has data that is connected to each other. For example, a database that comprises information about company stock prices must not also contain information about student.
Relational database contains data records that do not have a preset of relationships, permitting the user to define his or her relationship when accessing the data. Since users have much control over the data being accessed, relational databases can perform a variety of tasks. Such as defining the database; querying the database; adding, editing, and deleting data from the database; modifying the structure of the database; securing data from public access; communicating within the network; and exporting and importing data (Murthy, 2008).
Example 1 – Consider the following relational database for the Super Baseball League. It keeps track of teams in the league, coaches and players on the teams, work experience of the coaches, bats belonging to each team, and which players have played on which teams. Note the following facts about this environment:
Firstly a relational database contains a set of tables which basically are linked collectively by the relationships between the tables. Also it is also known as reason such as a database is called relational database.
Databases allow us to easily store and retrieve data in a purely digital format. The strength of this is that large amounts of data can be stored and retrieved with minimal effort on the part of the user. Opposed to manually flipping through files, one can quickly pull up the requested data through a computer program. Many systems that were conventionally paper and file based have been converted to a digital format which are now stored in one or more databases.
“A database is a structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. In order for a database to be truly functional, it must not only store large amounts of record, but also be able to access those records fast and efficiently. In addition, new information and changes should also be easy to input.” (tech-faq.com) To be useful over a long term the database should be able to store all the records necessary for the business to function as well as be able to get all of this information back in case of a system failure or a crash. If all the information is loss a business could go bankrupt so the database is a fail