database

A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated. In one view, databases can be classified according to types of content: bibliographic, full-text, numeric, and images.

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In computing, databases are sometimes classified according to their organizational approach. The most prevalent approach is the relational database, a tabular database in which data is defined so that it can be reorganized and accessed in a number of different ways. A distributed database is one that can be dispersed or replicated among different points in a network. An object-oriented programming database is one that is congruent with the data defined in object classes and subclasses.

Computer databases typically contain aggregations of data records or files, such as sales transactions, product catalogs and inventories, and customer profiles. Typically, a database manager provides users the capabilities of controlling read/write access, specifying report generation, and analyzing usage. Databases and database managers are prevalent in large mainframe systems, but are also present in smaller distributed workstation and mid-range systems such as the AS/400 and on personal computers. SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standard language for making interactive queries from and updating a database such as IBM's DB2, Microsoft's Access, and database products from Oracle, Sybase, and Computer Associates.

Getting started with databases

To explore how databases are used in the enterprise, here are some additional resources:

FAQ: SQL Server databases how-to: Troubleshoot SQL Server database issues with these FAQs and get advice on backing up, importing, exporting, copying or upgrading SQL Server databases.

Physical data storage in SQL Server 2005 and 2008:Learn the fundamentals of data storage in SQL Server 2005 and 2008, including tables, views and data types.

SQL Server database design disasters: What not to do: How's your SQL Server database design? Does it optimize data types? Are foreign key constraints possible? Here's how to improve SQL Server database design.

Read more about database: - On WebMonkey, Jay Greenspan provides an introduction to "Your First Database." - CUNY describes four types of content in databases. - SearchVB.com, a portal for Visual Basic developers, includes a collection of links about database programming. - For more information, see 'Learn IT: Unleashing the Power of the Database.'

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