Databases are a fundamental part of modern digital systems, but for those new to the topic, it can be hard to visualize. In fact, there are many tools we can consider as examples of databases because they serve the purpose of storing a large volume of information without necessarily having this specific objective. This is the case with Instagram or Gmail. However, in the business context, it involves a broad technical understanding.
Therefore, we will answer the main questions of professionals from different sectors with simple and direct explanations. After reading this article, we hope you understand the definitive concept of a database, the advantages of its use, and the main types used by companies. Additionally, we will talk about cloud hosting and other tips.
What is a database?
A database is a collection of information that can have various formats, such as images, videos, and documents. This term usually refers to files that are stored electronically, but not always. A database is a collection of information that can have various formats, such as images, videos, and documents. This term usually refers to files that are stored electronically, but not always. For instance, in the United States, databases containing personal information are subject to various federal and state laws, such as HIPAA for health information, GLBA for financial information, and CCPA in California, which define and regulate how personal data should be handled.
Generally, it is also considered that this data can be structured or unstructured. This changes the type of database.
Characteristics of Structured Data vs. Unstructured Data
Structured data is usually quantitative, whereas unstructured data is typically qualitative. The model for structured data is predefined and difficult to alter, unlike unstructured data, which has a very flexible model. In terms of format, structured data has a limited number of data formats, while unstructured data exhibits a wide variety of formats.
For storage, SQL-based databases are used for structured data, while NoSQL databases are employed for unstructured data. Searching structured data is easy and fast due to its predefined structure, making it straightforward to locate and query the data. Conversely, unstructured data lacks a defined structure, making it very difficult to search. Lastly, the analysis of structured data is straightforward, while the analysis of unstructured data is more challenging.
You might know another way to refer to this concept. The English term “database,” or “base de dados” in Portuguese, can also be translated as “banco de dados.” Both are used synonymously, although “base” is more common in Portugal.
Database Management Systems (DBMS), known in Portuguese as Sistemas de Gerenciamento de Bancos de Dados (SGBD), refer to software like MySQL and SQL-Server that manage different databases. Despite these distinctions, it is understood that databases are fundamental for storing all types of information. This is extremely valuable in a world with such a large volume of data.
What is the difference between using spreadsheets and databases?
Tools like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are widely used for data analysis using spreadsheets. However, spreadsheets have a limit of approximately one million records, making it difficult to manage large volumes of data and synchronize all information.
Databases, on the other hand, have a much greater storage capacity. They are scalable, meaning they can grow with the business while maintaining the same efficiency. They can integrate data from different systems and enable more robust analyses.
Additionally, databases offer other advantages. DBMS are developed to keep track of all stored data and ensure its security, preventing losses and inconsistencies.
What are the main types of databases used in companies?
There are many types of databases: relational, distributed, blockchain, and others. However, two types are most commonly used and relevant for most business contexts.
SQL
SQL databases are widely used in systems with strong relationships between data. They are also common in financial systems, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), and e-commerce platforms. In these databases, SQL (Structured Query Language) is the primary tool for interacting with the data. With SQL, it is possible to perform complex queries, insertions, updates, and deletions of data. Thus, developers can efficiently manage large volumes of information.
One of the major advantages of SQL databases is adherence to ACID properties:
- Atomicity: Ensures that transactions are either fully completed or not executed at all, avoiding intermediate states that could corrupt data.
- Consistency: Guarantees that the rules defined by the database, such as constraints and primary or foreign keys, are always maintained.
- Isolation: Ensures that transactions are performed independently, avoiding conflicts between simultaneous operations.
- Durability: Ensures that transactions are permanently recorded, even in case of system failures.
These characteristics make SQL databases more precise and stable. They also help maintain user trust in other systems that rely on this information. Therefore, choosing an SQL database is a strategic decision for many companies.
NoSQL
NoSQL databases are used in specific contexts where flexibility is more important, such as in Internet of Things (IoT) applications and social networks. In these cases, they need to handle large volumes of rapidly evolving data, requiring less rigid structures than traditional SQL databases. The NoSQL type allows the storage of unstructured or semi-structured data, such as documents, graphs, key-value pairs, and wide columns.
This feature is ideal for dynamic applications with many real-time operations. For example, in social networks where users continuously produce content in the form of posts, comments, and likes, NoSQL databases scale horizontally. Similarly, in IoT applications where various devices collect data simultaneously, they allow for rapid ingestion with high processing capacity.
Additionally, NoSQL databases are designed to integrate easily with other technologies and advanced analytics. Therefore, companies that adopt NoSQL databases can keep pace with market changes at a faster rate.
What is the difference between on-premises and cloud databases?
Databases can be hosted either locally (on-premises) or in a cloud service. When hosting is local, the company has full control over the hardware and software and can customize it according to its specific needs. However, this approach requires a robust IT infrastructure and a dedicated maintenance team, which can represent a significant cost.
On the other hand, in the cloud, the company delegates the management of the infrastructure and focuses on other competencies. This way, it is possible to scale databases quickly, with upgrades and capacity adjustments. Cloud service providers also guarantee the quality of their services through Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which establish expected performance levels.
It is possible to migrate an on-premises database to the cloud with the help of tools like Google’s Database Migration Service. Additionally, companies can control their budget and optimize the use of cloud services with a cost calculator. This way, they can balance the costs of operation with its benefits.
More answers
A well-structured database is the essential foundation for organizing and securely accessing information. Therefore, whether starting a new project or seeking to optimize existing systems, it is crucial to understand this concept.
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