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Understanding Databases

Database

A databse is a structured collection of data that is organized so that it can be easily Accessed,Managed,and Updated. It is typpicaly stored and managed using specialised software called Database Management System (DBMS).

DBMS

A Database Management System (DBMS) is a software system that is designed to manage and organize data in a structured manner. It allows users to create, modify, and query a database, as well as manage the security and access controls for that database. DBMS provides an environment to store and retrieve data in convenient and efficient manner.

What is SQL ?

SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a standardized programming language used to manage and manipulate relational databases. It enables users to perform a variety of tasks such as querying data, creating and modifying database structures, and managing access permissions. SQL is widely used across various relational database management systems such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.

  1. SQL is the standard language for dealing with Relational Databases.
  2. SQL is used to insert, search, update, and delete database records.
  3. SQL keywords are NOT case sensitive i.e. select is the same as SELECT

SQL Commands

  • SELECT - extracts data from a database
  • UPDATE - updates data in a database
  • DELETE - deletes data from a database
  • INSERT INTO - inserts new data into a database
  • CREATE DATABASE - creates a new database
  • ALTER DATABASE - modifies a database
  • CREATE TABLE - creates a new table
  • ALTER TABLE - modifies a table
  • DROP TABLE - deletes a table
  • CREATE INDEX - creates an index (search key)
  • DROP INDEX - deletes an index

What is MySQL ?

MySQL is one of the most popular open-source relational database management systems (RDBMS). It is widely used for managing and organizing data in a structured way using SQL (Structured Query Language). MySQL is known for its high performance, reliability, and ease of use. It is often used in web applications and is an essential part of the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP/Perl/Python).

  1. MySQL is a widely used relational database management system (RDBMS).
  2. MySQL is free and open-source.
  3. MySQL is ideal for both small and large applications.
  4. MySQL is very fast, reliable, scalable, and easy to use
  5. MySQL is cross-platform
  6. MySQL is compliant with the ANSI SQL standard
  7. MySQL was first released in 1995
  8. MySQL is developed, distributed, and supported by Oracle Corporation

Uses of MySQL

  • Huge websites like Facebook, Twitter, Booking.com, Uber, GitHub, YouTube, etc.
  • Content Management Systems like WordPress, Drupal, Joomla!, Contao, etc.
  • A very large number of web developers around the world.

Key Features of MySQL

  • Data Storage: Stores data in tables that consist of rows and columns, with strong data integrity features.
  • ACID Compliance: Ensures that database transactions are processed reliably and guarantees properties such as Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability.
  • Multi-User Support: Allows multiple users to interact with the database concurrently.
  • Replication: Supports master-slave replication, making it easy to replicate databases across multiple servers for backup and load balancing.
  • Stored Procedures and Triggers: You can write custom functions and automated operations to perform complex business logic within the database.
  • Full-Text Search: MySQL provides full-text indexing and searching features to speed up queries on text-heavy databases.

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What is RDBMS ?

  • RDBMS stands for Relational Database Management System.
  • RDBMS is a program used to maintain a relational database.
  • RDBMS is the basis for all modern database systems such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and Microsoft Access.
  • RDBMS uses SQL queries to access the data in the database.

What is a Database Table?

A table is a collection of related data entries, and it consists of columns and rows. A column holds specific information about every record in the table. A record (or row) is each individual entry that exists in a table.

Relational Database

A relational database defines database relationships in the form of tables. The tables are related to each other - based on data common to each.