Getting Started Guide - Databases - Introduction

Introduction To Databases
About Relational Databases
About Flat File Databases

Database Tools - Database Dumper
Database Tools - File Importer
Database Tools - Monitor Tool
Database Tools - Schema Viewer
What Is a Database?

A database is simply a collection of data that is organized so that its contents can easily be accessed, managed, and updated. The two most commonly used databases are relational and flat file.

About Relational Databases

Relational Database

The most prevalent type of database is the relational database. Relational databases store data as related tables. They are more powerful and efficient than flat file databases because users do not have to assume how data is related or how it will be extracted from the database. As a result, the same database can be viewed in many different ways. An important feature of relational systems is that one database can be spread across multiple tables.


Advantages of Using Relational Databases:

  • Structured Query Language (SQL) - A standardized query language for requesting information from a database. SQL allows for the creation of reusable operations and queries called "stored procedures" which are stored in the database server. These stored procedures are compiled, hence there is no need to parse the queries whenever they are executed. This results in more efficient (faster) query results.
     

  • Supports Large Amount of Data - Relational databases are designed to be able to efficiently handle larger amounts of data when compared to flat files.
     

  • High Security & Reliability - Security features such as passwords and user levels are usually built-in. Database records are also "locked" whenever they are accessed by a user, hence preventing data corruption when a second user accesses the same record.
     

  • Optimized Performance - Relational databases are able to take advantage of a hardware platform architecture such as parallel processing or clustered environments.
     

  • 3rd Party Support - There are many 3rd party tools offered to the users to simplify database management.


    A few of the more popular programs used to manage relational database systems (RDBMS) are: MySQL, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Sybase, and Oracle.

Disadvantages of Using Relational Databases:

  • Complex - Relational database management systems requires database administrators to manage them. To become one, an individual needs to have a high proficiency in SQL, relational database management system concepts, and security.
     

  • Expensive - Most relational databases are commercial and require the users to purchase software licenses. Additionally, they require more server resources plus the proficiency of a database administrator to maintain/manage the system.

About Flat File Databases

Flat File Database

The other popular method of storing data on your Web server is by using a flat file database. A flat file is a relatively simple system in which each database is contained in a single table. All the data stored therein is composed purely of text files, in which all word processing or other structure characters or markup have been removed.


Advantages of Using Flat Files:

  • Cheap - Using a flat file database costs practically nothing because data is stored as text files. No software is required other than the program that needs to access the data.

    Flattext is a popular program used in flat file database management.
     

  • Platform Independent - Since text files are universally accepted by all server platforms, there is no problem moving your database from one server to another.
     

  • Very Simple to Understand - Records in a flat file are stored in one straight line and are separated by delimiters.

Disadvantages of Using Flat Files:

  • Low Reliability & Integrity - Flat files are very prone to data corruption especially if the size of the database grows beyond what the server resources are prepared to handle. Keep in mind that if your flat file database holds 50,000 records or constant updates are being made, you take a very big risk that your flat file will get corrupted if the server does not have enough resources.
     

  • Low Security - No security feature is built into a text file. It can be opened for viewing by anyone who happens to know where to look.
     

  • Limited Data Structuring - As mentioned previously, records are stored as lines of text. This does not offer the flexibility of creating "relationships" between data whether within one flat file or across several.
     

  • Difficult to Integrate with Other Programs - Once a flat file is created for use by one program, it is impossible to have another turnkey program use it. This is because the succeeding programs need to conform to the structure of the flat file.

Additional Information

For additional information on the various types of databases, database management, and the available toolsets, try the following sites: