What is a Database?

Database  is basically a method of storing information. All records such as folders you categorize by naming, files you collect under a folder, movies or music you archive on your computer, game files, or company accounting data, employee information or website data is a database in a broad sense.

As the size of digital data increases,  the classification or search process  becomes more difficult. Therefore, the information to be stored is recorded within certain rules thanks to the database management software. All operations such as searching, deleting, changing after registration are performed by these software.

In a professional sense, the database, which is designed in relation to each other, deals with the data of corporate structures. The database, which is the lifeblood of the data center  , reaches a value with the data it contains. This value rises to higher levels with efficient use. Thus, while the overdue debts can be paid on time, there is no delay in receivables or no data loss.

While an Excel table on a personal computer   performs the task of a simple database, a server that hosts all the data of a large and corporate company is an advanced database. Comprehensive databases are used together with database management software (DBMS,  Database Management System ). This software can be an open source free system or a paid program.

Database programs that work between the user with machine language and manage all data aim at ease of use and security. Programs that prevent data loss with database management  ensure that public and private services are offered continuously and quickly.

Database History

Database systems, which provide solutions to the need to store and access information, have emerged since ancient times. Even in the oldest ages, walls or stones in caves were used to transfer knowledge to next generations. The inscriptions, figures or pictures engraved here served as a database, albeit primitive.

After the invention of the computer, the first digital databases began to appear in the process of becoming widespread. From the 1960s onwards,  CODASYL, IMS  and then IBM’s  SABER  database began to be used. With the relational database idea that emerged in 1970-1972, this old network model and hierarchical databases started to become obsolete.

The first examples of a relational database system that started to become standard are Ingres in 1974 and System R in 1977. QUEL , the query language of Igres   It formed the basis of systems such as MSSQL, Sybase, Britton-Lee. System R’s query language,  SEQUEL  , has been the source of advanced database types such as SQL, Allbase, Oracle.

While SQL query language became a standard in 1980, IBM company offered new products such as PARADOX, RBASE, WATCOM SQL to users within the scope of DB2 database. Companies that offered tools such as Oracle Developer, PowerBuilder, VB in the early 1990s also developed products such as ODBC, Excel or Access for everyday use.

After the mid-1990s, the place of the internet in our lives has increased and remote access databases have come to the fore. Systems such as CGI, GCC, MySQL or Apache developed in this context also paved the way for internet trade. Since 2000, large companies such as Oracle, IBM and Microsoft continue to develop products.

Most Used Databases

Although many database products have been developed in today’s technology, some are more preferred. Oracle   is one of the widely used database management systems, as well as systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, MS SQL Server, SQLite, IBM DB2, Microsoft Access, BerkeleyDB, Informix.

What is Important in Database Management?

For database management, there must first be real data obtained correctly. The system’s ability to produce useful and accurate results depends on the timely and complete recording of these data. A second fundamental issue is the backup of data. It is important to back up the carefully categorized data simultaneously and continuously.

As a result of a professional design, an easier query is made between the data classified according to a certain rule. Reaching the target data quickly also increases the quality of the service. The database, which is prepared for possible disaster scenarios with backup, becomes the source of uninterrupted service.

The database management system performs operations such as creating, updating and managing data. It is necessary to choose the system selection according to the needs. Many factors should be considered, such as the size of the organization where the database will be used, the cost of the software, whether it requires additional licenses, and the type of operating system on which it will run. In addition, the detailed additional features and capabilities of the software should be carefully examined.

A midsize organization may choose  an open source database management software along with a Linux operating system  . Thus, the company can contribute to the budget by reducing its expenses. However, in larger corporate structures,  paid software with technical support  should be preferred. The updates, maintenance or technical support options of paid professional systems can be much more advantageous.

What are the Differences Between SQL, MySQL and MsSQL?

Contrary to popular belief, SQL (Structured Query Language) is an advanced query language, not software. MySQL and MsSQL  database programs  work with SQL sublanguage. MySQL is an open source database management software. MSSQL is a paid database management product developed by Microsoft.

MySQL Database

MySQL, one of the most popular relational database management systems, stands out in terms of ease of use. The software can be used with most operating systems such as Linux, Windows, Unix and OS/2. Being a flexible, reliable and fast database management system, MySQL is preferred especially in web servers with web programming language such as ASP or PHP.

MySQL, an open source database management software, handles all the necessary operations such as processing, storing, classifying or modifying data. Designed in accordance with the languages ​​and alphabets of the world, the software  provides a great advantage with its strong character set  support.

With its internal search capability, MySQL provides easy access to the details in the database with MyISAM engine technology. The software, which also has query caching feature, produces much faster results with less resource consumption as it saves previous queries.

In addition, an interface has been developed with MySQL, which is often preferred by hosting companies in web servers. Thanks to the interface called phpmyAdmin, which is opened from the web browser, the end user’s work becomes very easy.  Users can directly view the database tables and columns they want from anywhere with an internet network  and use them with simple query commands.

MSSQL Database

MSSQL , which stands for Microsoft Structured Query Language Server  , is a widely used database management software in the corporate sense. Working with relational database logic, the software provides secure storage of data. Running on Microsoft Windows-based servers, MsSQL   allows users to perform various operations such as data logging, indexing, querying or reporting .

Professional database management software provides full compatibility with programming languages ​​such as MsSQL, .NET or ASP. The software eliminates the need to create databases  for websites created with these languages ​​or for different web-based software  . MsSQL, which can be used on the local computer, can also run on remote servers. 

MsSQL, which is installed on remote servers of hosting companies, can be accessed from anywhere with an internet network, just like MySQL. For this, the Microsoft SQL Management Studio application installed on the computer is used. The MsSQL program, which works with commands suitable for its own structure, has gained great confidence with the strong support of Microsoft.

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