Version 1.0, August 31, 2001, Copyright, Hugh Jack 1993-2001

10. DATABASES

 

· Basically databases are used to store information.

 

· A primitive form of `database' is a filing cabinet.

 

· The fundamental types of databases include,

  1. - Relational - Data is kept in fixed tables with defined relationships
  2. - Object Oriented - Dissimilar data can be stored in a single list (relational databases are a sort of subset of these databases)

 

· Databases allow information stored on one computer to be shared with other computers.

 

· Data stored in relational databases is commonly access using SQL (Structured Query Language)

 

· Databases handle problems of,

  1. - data locking (only allow one user to modify at once)
  2. - data sharing (other users can view)
  3. - searching
  4. - etc