Home Glossary Database Management

Introduction

Imagine having a vast collection of digital books. How will you arrange them so that you can easily find any book? Database management does the same thing for all types of digital data. It helps organize, control, and retrieve data efficiently in different systems, ranging from mobile phones to large computer networks. This is the backbone of digital organization required in a world where data is exploding.

What is a database?

A database is organized electronic storage, like an electronic file cabinet, where data is stored in a structured format that machines can process quickly. Most apps have databases that keep track of things like user profiles or app settings.

Types Of Databases

Relational Databases (RDBMS): These set up tables that are interconnected with each other using relationships; this allows complex queries to be made, which is suitable for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of information.
Non-relational Databases (NoSQL): They store information in formats other than tabular relations, such as key-value pairs, making them more flexible and scalable when dealing with large sets of diverse, rapidly changing facts.

Distributed Databases: These are located at different places physically or over network links; they help achieve redundancy and provide faster access based on geographical proximity.

Cloud Databases: Hosted and operated on cloud service platforms, they offer high scalability and accessibility without dealing with physical hardware management overheads.

Database Management Systems (DBMS): A DBMS is software used by end-users, applications, and the database itself to capture and analyze data. A good DBMS should ensure the security, integrity, and durability of the stored information.

Components of Database Management Systems

Database Engine: The engine acts as a central service for storing, processing, and securing data; it manages both the data itself and the operational capabilities of the database, ensuring that it can respond to queries or commands made against it.
Database Schema: A schema is a logical blueprint that describes how all, or part of a database is organized. It defines tables, columns, relationships, indexes, and permissions. When setting up a database, one of the first things you do is define its schema.
Storage Management: This deals with the physical storage of data on hardware; good storage management should enable efficient data retrieval while keeping it safe from hardware failures or security breaches.

Roles And Responsibilities in Database Management

1. Database Administrator (DBA)

Users: The DBA plays a critical role in managing the performance, integrity, and security of a database. They also make and test backups, update systems, and troubleshoot database issues.
Developers interact with the database by writing queries, scripts, and functions to manipulate the data.
End-users use applications that interact with databases in the background. They might not interact directly with the database but use applications that do.

2. Everyday Operations in Database Management

CRUD Operations:

Create – Creating new entries into the database.

Read – Reading information from the database, i.e., querying for specific records meeting certain criteria, etc.

Update – Updating existing information stored within records already present in the dataset concerned, e.g., modifying customer’s address details after they move residence.

Delete – Delete unwanted/obsolete/duplicate records from datasets where these exist.

3. Backups And Recovery

Data loss can be catastrophic; therefore, regular backup activities must be performed to ensure recoverability in case of any eventuality, such as software/hardware failure, corruption due to viruses/malware attacks, or accidental deletions.

Challenges in Database Management

Database managers face challenges such as handling a fast-growing volume of data, maintaining performance, ensuring data security, and complying with rules. Each of these areas has major roadblocks that can only be solved through strong strategies and sophisticated technologies.