A database is a data storage tool that enables total management of the collected information. Through the database, it is possible to analyze any change related to the company, from its cash flow to data on the target audience.

This tool plays a fundamental role in the development of any business, check out the main advantages of a database!

What is a database?

A database is like a collection of data, where it is possible to collect, store and promote easy access to data query information. The concept of a database is a kind of physical server that allows you to record a lot of simultaneous information about anything.

Therefore, the database is essential for the growth of a company, through which it is possible to maintain an updated history of the transactions that were carried out, in addition to enabling data analysis to create insights and strategies aimed at development from the company.

Today the digital world is driven thanks to the countless existing databases connected to each other that process and trigger instantaneous information at any time.

What are the main types of database?

There are two types of databases that are used today. 

Relational database - Data is stored in tables with specific rows and columns that define the data. Learn more about Relational Databases!

Non-relational database – Follows a NoSQL language, so the fields are not limited like SQL. The data is allocated in folders, a factor that makes it possible to define a customized scheme, in addition to allowing the addition of new properties without impacting other stored information.

Databases are characterized by massive information storage and the use of languages such as SQL. These systems allow simultaneous data collection and storage in order to provide simplified access through various means.

The database management system (DBMS) allows, through specific and short commands, the storage, management and retrieval of different sets of data.

What is the difference between stored data and information?

The difference between data and information is simple, data is raw, untreated information, it is a set of elements ready for information to be extracted from them. In general, data does not have a clear meaning, while information is data after analysis.

Thus, information is a compilation of analyzed data, it is what has been extracted from the raw data, it is the final result that can be used as a source of knowledge that aids decision making.

The History of the Database

Check out the timeline of database creation.

1940 – Origin of technology

The origin of database technology is related to data centers, built in the 40's. Databases served for governmental, scientific and even military purposes, such as the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer). These devices were complex and costly to develop, configure, and run.

1960 – The first database

The first database appeared in the early 60s, its functionalities were simple and inflexible, as in the case of the hierarchical database.

1970 – National importance

In the 1970s, databases were already used in projects of national importance, such as the National Climate Data Center in the United States.

1980 – Popularity

The relational database started to gain popularity in the 1980s as a way to get around the inflexibility of the first models.

1990 – Development

In 1990, thanks to the advancement of technology, databases evolved and became smaller and cheaper, along with the emergence of object-oriented databases.

At the beginning of the new millennium, the popularization of the internet resulted in a high demand for new resources and greater processing capacity leveraged the evolution of databases.

Today, companies use autonomous and decentralized databases in order to take advantage of cloud computing technology, which is a new way of storing, collecting and manipulating data.

Advantages of having a Database

The database system (DBMS) provides several advantages for the company that uses it, check it out.

Data History

One of the main advantages of having a database is its potential to store general information about your business, in order to generate historical data that can be used for machine learning and data science.

Ease of access

Ensures that all information from a company is shared across all sectors in an easy way, promoting greater alignment in the organization.

Analysis and comparisons

It makes it possible to perform analyses, compare data, create reports with strategic information and contribute to making the company's development strategy more assertive.

Data security

Possibility of keeping the information protected, to prevent unauthorized persons from obtaining the information contained in the databases.

Improvement of Information

The curation of records can be facilitated through the database management system. The responsible manager identifies the information that may be relevant to the business and discards the others, following the parameters of the company's needs. Therefore, updating and improving information is facilitated by allowing the company to keep only relevant data on file.

Increases productivity

Provides the ability to streamline operations, improve redundancy and flexibility, and deliver increased availability and usage of IT assets.

Reduces Failures

From the automation and technological potential of the database, it is possible to reduce operational and strategic failures, as it enables the use of technology and data analysis that make operations more efficient, integrated and intelligent.

Helps decision making

Due to the possibility of accessing data in an efficient and organized way, the database helps decision-making.

Most used databases

There are several types of database tools, check out the most used:

Oracle

One of the most used databases on the market, its main language is PL/SQL. It has several functionalities, in addition to being flexible, it runs on different platforms such as Windows and Linux.

Microsoft SQL Server

SQL Server was created in 1989 by Microsoft and gained rapid popularity in the market. Your data can be encrypted, a factor that increases your security level, and can be managed and manipulated only by specific people.

Check out the tutorial: Creating a SQL Server database

MySQL 

MySQL is categorized as the most widely used open-source relational database in the world today. Its main features are its lightweight implementation that provides greater speed of use and its ease of integration between the Web server and programming languages.

Check out the Tutorial: Creating a MySQL database

PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is the most advanced open-source tool today. Its advantage is that it does not require advanced hardware, in addition to being a cost-effective and efficient alternative for performing data analysis.

Check out the tutorial: Creating a PostgreSQL database

MongoDB

MongoDB is a non-relational, open source database that does not require the use of tables with columns and rows to store data.

BigQuery

Enabling scalable analytics across petabytes of data, this service platform supports queries using ANSI SQL and has built-in machine learning capabilities.

Check out the tutorial: Creating a BigQuery database

Redshift

Redshift is a PostgreSQL-based data warehouse product created by Amazon. This tool uses SQL to communicate internally and allows for large-scale data storage and analysis.

Check out the tutorial: How to create a Redshift database

Now that we know more about Databases and their advantages, know that it is possible to connect them in a personalized way through the Kondado platform, created to integrate data from different sources into a single data warehouse of your choice, in addition to enabling the transformation data once it's at its final destination with the template creation feature! Learn more at www.kondado.com.br