Basic Database Concepts
Basic Database Concepts
A database is a collection of data that is organized so that it can be easily accessed, managed, and updated. Data is usually stored in tables, which are composed of rows and columns. Each row represents a record, and each column represents a field or an attribute of the record.
A database management system (DBMS) is a software that allows users to create, manipulate, and query databases. A DBMS can also provide features such as data security, backup and recovery, concurrency control, and data integrity.
There are different types of databases, such as relational, hierarchical, network, object-oriented, and document databases. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the data model, structure, and operations.
Some common database concepts are:
- Primary key: A unique identifier for each record in a table. A primary key ensures that no two records have the same value for that field.
- Foreign key: A field in a table that references the primary key of another table. A foreign key establishes a relationship between two tables.
- Index: A data structure that improves the speed of data retrieval from a table. An index can be created on one or more fields of a table.
- Query: A request for information from a database. A query can be written in a specific language, such as SQL (Structured Query Language), which is widely used for relational databases.
- Join: An operation that combines data from two or more tables based on a common field or condition. A join can be used to retrieve related data from multiple tables.
- Normalization: A process of organizing data in a database to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity. Normalization involves dividing data into smaller and simpler tables and establishing relationships among them.
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