Types of Databases

Types of Databases

1. Flat Databases

   • This is a database made up of one simple table with only a few recorded pieces of data
   • Examples
     • Small businesses with little stock and few customers
   • Advantages & disadvantages
     • Advantages
       • Simple
     • Disadvantages
       • Many human errors can be made
       • Only a single level of access

2. Relational Databases

   • This is a database made up of several tables that in the end will all link together
   • These can then make life easier as simple lettered/numbered codes represent each customer ID, delivery numbers and item numbers -for example.
   • Advantages & disadvantages
     • Advantages
       • All information in one place.
       • Easier access; simplicity of design
       • Can easily be linked to either a networked or local database
     • Disadvantages
       • Time consuming; creating many different tables
       • Editing information will take longer when needed to edit.
   • Features
     • Information separated into discreet entities
       • Based on the real world
       • e.g employee, product, order
     • Entities are described by a series of fields
       • Describes the structure of the entity
       • e.g product name, weight, price
     • Entites are connected by a series of relationships
       • Built using common field
       • Represented by entity relationship diagrams

3. Local Databases

   • Only one person/computer has access to the information or ability to edit/view.
   • Examples
     • For example: when finances are dealt with, it would be solely on a local database.

4. Network Databases

   • Anyone with a username and password within the network could log on and view what is available. However it is more restricted than a local database. This is because it involves a lot of people within that server.
   • Examples
     • Within a school, every computer is available for all the students to log into.

5. Online Databases

   • Examples
     • Large scale companies and/or companies that have websites and that can be accessed with a username and password.
     • Tesco, Amazon, Sainsbury's, eBay, Facebook.
   • Why they are used?
     • To make online shopping available.
     • Ensures things are updated and available to the customer, as and when it is appropriate.
     • Stores the stock of the stores