Database types

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Contents

Nowadays we live in an increasingly digitized world. And is that, even when we don't realize, we continuously interact with programs, technological applications or tools, among others. They all have a point in common: need a database to function properly.

But… Did you know that a good database can improve the results of any business? Therefore, in this post we are going to discover what a database is, what types of databases exist, its main characteristics and what are some of the best alternatives on the market.

What is a database or database?

A data base (DB) is a data set organized in such a way that various types of information are quickly obtained. Decidedly, the treatment of the data will depend on the objectives that are had.

All databases sort and categorize the data so they can later investigate and analyze it. There is special software that works with databases recognized as database management systems (DBMS). Logically, there are different software for each type of database.

Thanks to them data can be quickly stored and accessed structured hosted in a database. A) Yes, DBMS have their own characteristics depending on the type of DB.

What types of databases exist

Today There are numerous databases available depending on their structure, context, utility and needs. What do they seek. Let's see below the main types of databases that exist.

1. According to the modification flexibility

The first classification of databases depends on the way the data is sorted.

  • Static databases: Static databases are designed to read data. In other words, they simply store and record the data. Subsequently, can be analyzed to understand their behavior over time. They are used especially to implement statistical projections and guide decision-making processes in the business environment.
  • Dynamic databases: Dynamic databases are, Conversely, modifiable in time. Therefore, data can be updated, edit and delete. As an example, many stores vary their inventories and the prices of their products according to the season, so a dynamic database is ideal.

2. According to the content

The second classification of databases depends on the priority of the content to be analyzed.

2.1 Bibliographic databases

Bibliographic databases are records that help categorize various data fields. Generally, these fields can be consulted separately or together. A clear example can be the information about a book: Author, year of publication, editorial, etc.

2.2 Full text databases

Among the types of databases, full-text ones are especially helpful, since they make it possible to search for specific terms, keywords and the various options of a bibliographic database, at the same time of consulting the stored full text. Son ideal for academic and research work.

2.3 Directories

Directories are databases worn by most people almost daily without realizing it. A clear example can be the contact list of our mobile phones, where a multitude of information is stored, as an example:

  • Names and addresses
  • Phone number and email addresses.
  • Billing information, zip codes

3. According to database models

The third classification of databases is characterized by the different data management models. One of the great advantages of these databases is that they enable the implementation of efficient database systems based on algorithms.

3.1 Hierarchical databases

Hierarchical databases store information in a hierarchical structure or with an order of relevance. A) Yes, the data is organized into an inverted tree-like figure with segments known as nodes and branches, that contain information of interest. These can be of three categories:

  • Dad: node from which the descendants are separated. All parents are at the same level and are of equal relevance.
  • Kid: node that depends on a parent, In other words, is derived from the above.
  • Root: data origin, have no father. It is located at the top level of the tree and all nodes come out of it.

Between the main features of one of the most used types of databases are the following:

  • Access and information can be shared with multiple users.
  • The data is independent.
  • It is difficult to modify it, since it is a rigid structure.
  • A great knowledge of the information units is needed.
  • Nodes far from the root are difficult to access, so they require time.

3.2 Network databases

Network databases are a variation of the previous. Its main difference lies in the composition of the node, since in this model they can have several parents. Among their main drawbacks is the difficulty of editing and adapting them since they have a complex structure.

3.3 Transactional databases

Transactional databases are the responsible for sending and receiving data at high speed. It is rare for "normal" users to use them, since they are aimed at certain sectors such as banking systems, in which, as an example, Immediate transactions between accounts are recorded with the corresponding data of said transactions.

3.4 Relational databases

At the moment, relational databases one of the most used database types. The predominant language in them is the structured query language, better known as SQL.

The data are stored in table-organized records, so they can easily associate and cross items. It is a recommended database if the data have a zero margin of error and do not need continuous modifications. Its main features are:

  • They can be used by any user.
  • Its handling is simple.
  • Data can be accessed quickly.
  • Ensures total data consistency, no chance of error.

One of the relational database services, smart and scalable built for the cloud is Azure SQL Database. Their automated functions supported by artificial intelligence take full advantage of performance and durability.

At the same time, your serverless computing and storage options at the Hyperscale tier automatically scale resources on demand, allowing you to focus on create new applications without having to worry about storage size nor the administration of resources.

3.5 logical or deductive databases

Deductive or logical databases (its principles focus on mathematical logic) are generally used by search engines, even though they can be used in other ways. With them you can store the data and consult it through searches subject to previously established rules and regulations. Its main features are:

  • They make it possible to express queries through logical rules.
  • Support complex data sets.
  • Information can be inferred from stored data.
  • They use mathematical formulas or logical algorithms.

3.6 Multidimensional databases

Another of the most used types of databases. Multidimensional databases are used for specific functions. What separates them from relational databases is only appreciated at the conceptual level, since in multidimensional databases the fields or attributes of a table can be of two types:

  • They can represent dimensions within a data table.
  • They can represent the metrics to be obtained.

Some of his main features son:

  • They do not employ any hierarchy.
  • They facilitate the search and subsequent modification.
  • They use less storage space.
  • They have access to a large amount of information.

3.7 Object-focused databases

Object-focused databases are the most modern, especially for its large capacity and power. One of its main characteristics is that in them no detailed information about the object is saved, since it is stored absolutely in the same.

Each object has its own characteristics that allow you to differentiate yourself from other similar. Its advantages are clear:

  • They support a greater amount of content.
  • They enable the user to have more first-hand information.

3.8 Documentary databases

Document databases use documents, that are worth the redundancy, such as data storage and query structure. These are made up of multiple records and data and are built with NoSQL language, what gives them many technical and flexibility advantages.

With these databases Can handle large volumes of information in short periods of time.. Its varied functions and modules adaptable to numerous query mechanisms make it one of the most used databases by programmers..

Database types for all needs

In summary, whatever the database, different types of databases make it possible have the items ordered and with access levels so that they can be found and consulted by authorized users.

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