101 What is a Database? - PDF
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This document provides an introduction to databases, explaining their purpose, characteristics, and real-world applications. It covers topics such as structured data storage, scalability, and data integrity. Databases are used in various fields, including business, healthcare, e-commerce, and social media. It describes databases as organized collections of data enabling efficient storage, retrieval, and manipulation of information.
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101 What is a Database? Introduction to Databases A database is a systematic collection of data that allows for the storage, retrieval, and * * * manipulation of information in an organized way. * * Unlike traditional files,...
101 What is a Database? Introduction to Databases A database is a systematic collection of data that allows for the storage, retrieval, and * * * manipulation of information in an organized way. * * Unlike traditional files, databases support structured data management, which makes them * * * * highly efficient for complex tasks involving large amounts of information. * ** Core Purpose: To store data in a way that supports easy retrieval, management, and ** * * * * * * * updating. * ** Example: Think of a library catalog system. It stores information about books, authors, ** *** *** and locations in a structured format that allows users to find books by title, author, or subject. Characteristics of a Database ** Structured Data Storage: Data is stored in a logical format, such as tables, making it ** *** *** *** *** easy to retrieve specific information. ** Scalability: Databases are designed to grow with the data, supporting small to large ** * * * * * * volumes without significant loss of performance. * * ** Data Integrity: Ensures that data is accurate, reliable, and consistent. * *** * * * * * * *** Concurrent Access: Multiple users can access and modify data at the same time without * ** * * * * * * data conflicts. ** Security Features: Databases often include robust security protocols to protect ** * * * sensitive data. * Real-World Examples of Databases ** Business Applications: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems use ** * * databases to manage customer data and interactions. ** Healthcare: Medical databases store patient records, treatment histories, and ** * * * * * prescriptions. * ** E-commerce: Online shopping platforms use databases to manage product listings, user ** * * * * * accounts, and transaction histories. * * * ** Social Media: Platforms like Facebook and Twitter use databases to manage user data, ** * * * posts, and interactions. * * *
