Types Of Databases

Types Of Databases

1. Flat Databases

   • One table stores all of the data, which can become confusing. Many errors can be made and it is time consuming as all data must be inputted manually, and access cannot be restricted, but the design is very simple

2. Relational Databases

   • A database that has many tables with all of the separate data groups, which can be linked together to form a main table (for example orders) are far less likely to make mistakes when using primary and foreign keys than manually inputting all of the redundant data like in a flat database. You can restrict access.
   • Features
     • Information separated into discrete entities
       • Based on the real world
       • e.g. employers, products, orders.
     • Entities are described by a series of fields
       • Describes the structure of all entities
       • e.g. product name, prices, weight
     • Entities are connected by a series of relationships
       • Built using common field
       • Represented by entity relationship diagrams (ERDs)

3. Network Databases

   • A network database is one that can be accessed by anyone that has access to that network. Multiple people can use this, but sometimes access can be restricted, so only certain people can change/delete the data.

4. Online Databases

   • Examples: Amazon, Tesco, Barclays, etc.
   • Online databases are used widely as anyone can access them, providing they have an account (email and password). anything that needs to be stored online would be used on an online database; they are useful because of their accessibility. A disadvantage would be if you don't have connection to the internet, you cannot do any work related to that database.

5. Local Databases

   • A local database is one that can only be accessed by one person, as it is on a local (stand-alone) computer. This would be good for finances, as it is a private set of data.