What is a database
Introduction
Info
A database is an organised collection of data, which allows users to obtain and process information according to their requirements.
Advantages of using databases
- Databases are better storage techniques compared to file systems.
- The data is only stored once and, hence, data duplication is avoided.
- The data is consistent as the changes need to be made only once. These changes are then reflected for all the users using the database.
Structured vs Unstructured Databases
Unstructured data:
- Information that is not structured in a predefined manner is called unstructured data.
- Data in a word document or notepad are examples of unstructured data.
Structured data:
- Information that is stored in a predefined manner, that is, in a structure is called structured data.
- Databases help us to store data in a structured manner.
How is a database structured?
- Data in a database is stored in the form of tables.
- A flat-file database is a database with only one table. For example: contact details, product details, etc.
- A table consists of various records.
- Each record consists of several fields.