Database Management Systems 101 By Lia Bischoff, Codal Inc
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What is a database? Why do businesses need databases? Best put by Oracle, “A database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system.” Storing, managing, and retrieving information is made possible via a database. And although databases contain tables and columns, they are not spreadsheets. Databases make things easier for businesses. More specifically, a database can, but is not limited to doing the following for a business: ● ● ● ● ●
Track inventory Prepare for growth Manage customer information Payroll management Analyze business data
What is a database management system? And why do businesses need one? Put simply, a database management system manages databases. It is a software that is installed in order to manage three important things: 1. Data 2. Database engine, which allows data to be accessed, modified, and locked 3. Database schema (defines the logical structure) Database management systems provide concurrency, data security, data integrity, and a
way to make administrative procedures uniform. Many enterprises have more than one database management system, depending on the type of data in need of handling.
Relational Database Management System A relational database management system consists of data items with previously defined relationships between them. Important elements of a relational database management system include Structured Query Language (SQL), data integrity, transactions, and the ability to be Atomic, Consistent, Isolated and Durable (ACID). Examples of relational database management systems include MySQL and PostgresSQL. And as a full-stack digital agency, we here at Codal are experts in regard to these two database management systems. Codal creates the reliable and intelligent digital tools so accessing and managing relational databases is easy. We do this via our MySQL and PostrgresSQL technologies.
Graph Database Management System A graph database management system operates under the idea that the relationship between the data is as important as the data itself. No predefined models for data. A popular graph database management system is that of Neo4J. Used by many major companies, we here at Codal know how to use and work with this staple of a software.
Conclusion The bigger the business, the more data. And as such, the need for a database and a database management system exists. However, sometimes incorporating these two elements isn’t easy. Let us here at Codal do the hard work for you and your business, experts in database technologies.