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A database is a collection of
data that
is organized so that its contents can easily be accessed,
managed, and updated. The most prevalent type of database is the
relational database,
a tabular database in which data is defined so that it can be
reorganized and accessed in a number of different ways. A
distributed database is one that can be dispersed or replicated
among different points in a network. An
object-oriented programming
database is one that is congruent with the data defined in
object classes and subclasses.
Databases
contain aggregations of data records or files, such as sales
transactions, product catalogs and inventories, and customer
profiles. Typically, a database manager provides users the
capabilities of controlling read/write access, specifying report
generation, and analyzing usage. Databases and database managers
are prevalent in large
mainframe
systems, but are also present in smaller distributed
workstation
and mid-range systems such as the AS/400 and on personal
computers.
Structured Query Language
is a standard language for making interactive queries from and
updating a database such as IBM's DB2, Microsoft's Access, and
database products from Oracle, Sybase, and Computer Associates. |
