What is a Database:
A database is the collection of logically interrelated data. It usually refers to data organized and stored on a computer that can be searched and retrieved by a computer program.
Interrelated data means all the collected data must have some relation with each other. That means those types of data which have no relation are excluded from the collections.
Examples of Database:
Almost all organizations in every part of the world use databases to maintain their records. The following are some of the examples of the use of databases.
- When we draw an amount from a bank account through an ATM card, we are accessing a database of customers of a particular bank. Our bank account is accessed and checked through an auto teller machine (ATM). After withdrawal of some amount from the bank account the bank record in the database is updated through a software application immediately.
- When we visit a local library, there may be a computerized database containing details of the books in the library. There will be a computerized index, which allows us to find a book regarding its title or its author’s name etc.
- In a college or university, there may be a database containing information about the present and previous students.
Related: Importance of Database with Real Examples
What are the Types of Databases:
Three different types of databases are commonly used which are as follows:
Centralized Database:
A type of database that is located and maintained in a single location. The centralized database may be a mainframe computer or server. All the access and processing take place at the central site through terminals connected to the site.
Examples of Types of Centralized Databases :
- Personal Computer Database
- Central Computer Database
- Server Database
Real Life Example:
Imagine a big storage room where a store keeps all its important things. It is like a room full of papers, records, and other stuff. When someone needs something, they have to go to that room to find it.
In this case:
The storage room is like a centralized database.
Everything is in one place, the room.
You can only get things from that one room.
Distributed Database:
In a distributed database the data is stored in storage devices that are located in different physical locations. The data are not stored to a common CPU, but distributed over different locations. The data is controlled by a central Data Base Management System, and the users can access it with the help of WAN (wide area network).
Real Life Example:
Imagine you have a big library with lots of books. Instead of putting all the books in one giant bookshelf, you decide to spread them out into smaller bookshelves in different rooms of the library. Each room has books related to a specific topic.
For example:
Room 1 has all the science books room 2 has history and room 3 has fiction books.
Now, if someone comes to the library and asks for a science book, you don’t need to search through the entire library. You just go to Room 1, where all the science books are kept. This makes it faster and more organized.
In this example:
The library is like a distributed database.
Each room is like a separate location in the database.
The books are like the data.
So, in a distributed database, data is divided and stored in different places to make it easier to find and manage.
Decentralized Database:
A decentralized database management system is a way of storing information where no single person or company is in charge. Instead, many computers work together like a team to keep the information safe and accurate.
Real-Life Examples:
In a college, instead of one central office managing everything like grades and schedules, each department (like math or English) takes care of its own information.
If you want to check your grades, you can ask the specific department. This way, no one person can change your grades secretly, and it is like teamwork, making things organized.
Another example: Now, think about a group of friends who love games. Instead of one friend having all the games, each friend has their own games at their own homes on their own shelves. When they want to play or see what games they have, they talk to each other online and decide.
In this case:
Each friend’s shelf at home is like a decentralized database.
Games are on different shelves, not just one.
Friends can get their games and play together without needing just one friend’s games.
Difference Btw Distributed Database and Decentralized Database:
Most students get confused about the difference between Distributed and Decentralized Databases. Here is the chance to know the key differences btw distributed databases and decentralized databases
Difference Btw Distributed Database and Decentralized Database:
| Distributed Database: | Decentralized Database: |
| In a distributed database, there is usually one boss who makes the big decisions. | In a decentralized database, there is no boss; it is like friends working together without a leader. |
| Information is put in different places. But there is a plan for where each piece of information should go, like giving specific jobs to different people | Finding information can be different in different places, like each friend organizing their stuff in their way. |
| Important choices often need the boss’s approval, just like asking the teacher before doing something in class. | Everyone can make choices on their own, like deciding what game to play without asking anyone. |
| Everyone follows the same rules to find information, a bit like having the same rulebook for games. | Finding information can be different in different places, like each friend organizing their stuff in their own way. |
| Adding new places for information is quite easy, and everything stays organized. Like when new students join a team and follow the team’s rules. | Adding more places for information is possible, but it might need extra effort to keep things organized. Just like when new friends join, and everyone needs to get along. |
| These systems can handle problems without causing big trouble, just like when a friend can’t play, and the game still goes on. | If one place has a problem, it doesn’t mess up everything, similar to when one friend cannot play, and the fun continues with others. |
Related: Databases and Types of Databases
Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons
Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons
Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons