A database is a structured collection of data that’s stored electronically in a computer system. Databases can contain any type of data, including words, numbers, images, videos, and files.

Here are some key aspects of databases:

• Database management system (DBMS): A software that allows users to store, retrieve, and edit data in a database.

  
  

• Database system: A term that refers to the data, DBMS, and any associated applications.

  
  

• Data modeling: Data in most databases is organized in tables with rows and columns.

  
  

• Structured query language (SQL): A language used to write and query data in most databases.

  
  

• Reference databases: Contain bibliographies and indexes that guide users to information in published literature.

  
  

• Data warehouses: Large collections of databases that are combined electronically.

  
  

• Self-driving databases: Cloud-based databases that use machine learning to automate routine management tasks.

  
  

There are many types of databases, each with unique features and advantages. The type of database you need depends on the data you want to manage and the application you want to use it for. Some common types of databases include:

• Relational databaseStores data in tables, with each table representing a specific type of data. The relationships between tables are defined by the relationships between the data they contain.

  
  

• NoSQL databaseUses data models other than relational tables. Some types of NoSQL databases include key-value, document, graph, and wide-column.

  
  

• Object-oriented databaseAdds database functionality to object programming languages, creating more manageable code bases.

  
  

• Hierarchical databaseUses a tree-like structure to create relationships between files.

  
  

• Graph databaseUses nodes, edges, and properties to establish connections between data.

  
  

• Cloud databaseCan be any type of database (relational or NoSQL) and can be deployed on a public or private cloud.

  
  

• Distributed databaseStores some parts of the database in multiple physical locations and disperses processing among different points in a network.

  
  

• Operational databaseStores detailed data needed to support the day-to-day operations or transactions of a business