Database and its types (part 1)
A database is a set of structured and related data used in computer systems to manage, store, and retrieve data. Databases are stored as electronic files in computer systems and can be easily managed using different software.
Databases are widely used in various systems. They are used in financial management programs, banks, electronic payment systems, content management systems, and more. We will examine different types of databases below.
The use of databases is very common in many fields and industries, and their importance in society is increasing daily. Depending on the type of data and the needs of each sector, the use of databases can be different, but some common uses of databases are:
1- Content management systems (CMS)
These systems manage and publish web content, including content and images, on websites and applications. They use relational databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL.
2- User interface management systems (CRM)
These systems are used for customer relationship management, including customer information, purchase history, and customer activities. They usually use relational databases such as Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.
3- Inventory management systems (IMS)
These systems manage the inventory of goods and materials used in various industries, such as production and distribution. They usually use relational databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL, and NoSQL databases such as MongoDB.
4- Medical information management systems (HIS)
These systems manage patients’ medical information, including medical records, diagnoses, and treatments. They use relational databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL, and NoSQL databases such as MongoDB.
5- Order management systems (OMS)
These systems manage customer orders, including order checkout, payment, delivery, and customer reviews. They usually use relational databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL, and NoSQL databases such as MongoDB.
Databases are generally used in many industries and application fields, such as e-commerce, banking, transportation, education, communication, human resource management, etc. In short, databases are very important and useful in any industry that requires data management and storage.
In the following (first part), we mention some types of databases and their features:
Relational Database
This type of Database is based on a relational model where information is stored in tables and relationships. In a relational database, tables have different columns, each row corresponding to a specific record. The features of this type of Database include ACID support (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability), support for all types of primary keys, the ability to create relationships between tables, the ability to execute queries to retrieve information, the ability to create stable software, and the ability to upgrade.
It is one of the databases designed and implemented based on the relational model. In this type of Database, information is stored in tables, and relationships between tables are established using primary and foreign keys.
Other relational database features include:
1- ACID support
In a relational database, transactions must support operations performed automatically and definitively. ACID includes Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability, each used in a specific way for data management. For example, Atomicity means that transactions must be applied all or none at all, and Consistency means that data must be in a valid and consistent state at all times.
2- Support for primary keys
Each table must have a primary key to identify records in a relational database. This bider key defines the table’s column or columns and is used to search, reference, and create relationships with other tables.
3- Ability to create relationships between tables
Using foreign keys, relationships between tables are established. These relationships can be one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many, increasing the useful information in the Database.
4- The ability to execute queries to retrieve information
In a relational database, queries are executed to search, filter, and combine information based on various conditions. These queries can include SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE.
5- Ability to create stable software
Relational Database using ACID has features that make the Database stable and reliable. These features can create stable and reliable software.
6- Upgradability
It is upgradeable and can be adapted according to new data needs. In general, this feature means that you can add new tables, make changes to the structure of existing tables, add new fields, and
Similarly, the Database was easily upgraded and responded to new needs.
Finally, it is a powerful way to store and manage data in a System that provides high reliability, stability, and scalability by using tables, primary and foreign keys, queries, and ACID features.
Object-Oriented Database
In this type of Database, information is stored in an object-oriented manner, where objects have properties and relationships with other objects. Other features of this Database include support for all kinds of object-oriented relationships, the ability to structure data, the ability to use inheritance, the ability to use polymorphism and encapsulation, the ability to complicate data, the ability to be flexible, and the ability to upgrade.
An object-oriented database is a type of Database that uses the object-oriented model to store and manage data. In this type of Database, data is stored in an object-oriented manner, supporting object-oriented capabilities such as inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction.
Other features of an object-oriented database include:
1- Ability to support object orientation
In an object-oriented database, data is stored object-oriented, and object-oriented capabilities such as inheritance, polymorphism, polymorphism, and abstraction are supported. In other words, this Database allows different objects with different characteristics and behaviors to be stored and used independently.
2- No need to convert data
In an object-oriented database, data is stored in an object-oriented form, so converting it into another form is unnecessary. This feature makes it possible to perform operations such as search, filter, sort, etc., on the data directly without transforming it.
3- The ability to perform complex processing
More complex processing can be done on the data using an object-oriented database. For example, queries can easily be made using different objects related to each other.
4- Extensibility
It is extensible and easy to add new objects and features, such as relationships between objects, inheritance, and polymorphism. This feature enables the Database to respond to new data needs and adapt to changes in the data structure.
5- Ability to support transactions
It can support transactions, which means ACID support. This feature ensures that transactions are definitively returned to the initial state in case of an error, and the data in the Database is highly durable.
6- Ability to support different paradigms
It can support different paradigms such as object-oriented, relational, sequential, etc. This feature allows the Database to be compatible with different paradigms and respond to different data needs.
Finally, it is a powerful method to store and manage object-oriented data using object-oriented capabilities. There is no need to transform data, as it can perform complex processing, is extensible, supports transactional processing, supports various paradigms, and has other features. Using this Database, you can efficiently work with object-oriented data and perform more complex processing.
Network Database
In this type of Database, information is stored in the form of a Graph, and the relationship between the data is established using complex relationships. Other features include complex search capabilities, support for various relationships, the ability to execute queries to retrieve information, flexibility, and upgradeability.
A Network database is a Database in which data is stored as a Network Graph. In this type of Database, each record can be arbitrarily connected to several other records, forming connections between data in a network.
Other Network database features include:
1- Ability to support complex communication
Each record can be connected to several other records in a Network database as desired. This feature makes more complex connections between data in a Network form, and these connections can be easily accessed.
2- No need to repeat data
In the Network database, the data is stored graphically, and in this way, there is no need to repeat the data in different places. This feature reduces storage space consumption.
3- Fast search capability
In the Network database, it is easy to access the connections between the data and use them to perform a quick and accurate data search.
4- The ability to perform complex processing
More complex processing can be done on the data using a Network database. For example, queries can easily be performed using Network connections between data.
5- Extensibility
The Network database is expandable, and new records and connections can be easily added. This feature enables the Database to respond to new data needs and adapt to changes in the data structure.
6- Ability to support transactions
It can support transactions, which means ACID support. This feature allows transactions to be definitively returned to the initial state in the event of an error.
Finally, a network database using a network graph, with its ability to support complex communication, no need to duplicate data, fast search, performance of complex processing, expandability, transaction support, and other features, is a powerful way to store and manage network data. Using this Database, you can efficiently work with Network data and perform more complex processing.
