Types of database system

Types of database system

1. A database management system is a software package for creating and managing databases

2. Many different types of database systems exist based on how they manage the database structure.

3. Database structure

   • Two types of database structure Databases typically have one of two basic forms: single-file or flat file database multi-file relational or structured database
     • Flat file database
       • A flat file database stores data in a plain text file, with each line of text typically holding one record. Delimiters such as commas or tabs separate fields. A flat file database uses a simple structure and, unlike a relational database, cannot contain multiple tables and relations.
     • Relational database
       • A relational database contains multiple tables of data with rows and columns that relate to each other through special key fields. And provide functionality for reading, creating, updating, and deleting data. Relational databases use (SQL) a standard user application that provides an easy programming interface for database interaction.
     • Types of relationships in a database
       • One to one - where one table record relates to another record in another table
         • Many to one - where more than one table record relates to another table record
       • One to many - where one table record relates to multiple records in another table
         • Many to many - where multiple records relate to more than one record in another table
       • These relations form functional dependencies within the database.
         • Relational database management system
           • A relational database management system is one of four common types of systems you can use to manage your business data
             • Hierarchical database systems
               • Hierarchical database model resembles a tree structure, similar to a folder architecture in your computer system. The relationships between records are pre-defined in a one to one manner, between 'parent and child' nodes.
             • Network database systems
               • Network database models also have a hierarchical structure. However, instead of using a single-parent tree hierarchy, this model supports many to many relationships, as child tables can have more than one parent.
                 • Reasons why your business needs a good database
                   • Centralized systems
                     • Good database systems can help you manage all your business-critical data centrally, safely and securely - whenever you need it - to boost your chances of success.
                   • Better management of human resource (HR) matters
                     • It can streamline most of the HR tasks, automate routine jobs and speed up the processing of data such as staff hours, leave, benefits, payroll, etc.
                       • Efficient inventory tracking
                         • If you're tracking your inventory manually, it's also easy to miscount, make data entry errors or misplace spreadsheets and notes. By using an inventory tracking database, especially alongside electronic data interchange and barcode scanning, you can avoid those risks and minimise lost sales while maximizing your opportunities for growth.
                       • Planning for growth
                         • Most business databases have some form of reporting capabilities - from analyzing input data and productivity tracking, to anticipating future trends and customers' needs
                   • Managing customer data and relationships
                     • Full-featured CRM databases are usually powerful enough to store and process everything, from customer contact details, interaction history and accounts, to new prospects, leads and business opportunities.
             • Object-oriented database systems
               • In object-oriented databases, the information is represented as objects, with different types of relationships possible between two or more objects.