database

A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated. In one view, databases can be classified according to types of content: bibliographic, full-text, numeric, and images.

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In computing, databases are sometimes classified according to their organizational approach. The most prevalent approach 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.

Computer databases typically 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. SQL (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.

Getting started with databases

To explore how databases are used in the enterprise, here are some additional resources:

FAQ: SQL Server databases how-to: Troubleshoot SQL Server database issues with these FAQs and get advice on backing up, importing, exporting, copying or upgrading SQL Server databases.

Physical data storage in SQL Server 2005 and 2008:Learn the fundamentals of data storage in SQL Server 2005 and 2008, including tables, views and data types.

SQL Server database design disasters: What not to do: How's your SQL Server database design? Does it optimize data types? Are foreign key constraints possible? Here's how to improve SQL Server database design.

Learn more about SQL Server Database Modeling and Design

SQL Server database design disasters: What not to do: Inspired by what he recently found in some SQL Server shops, database architect Brian Walker shares advice for improved database design – and SQL Server performance.
Physical data storage in SQL Server 2005 and 2008: Learn the fundamentals of data storage in SQL Server 2005 and 2008, including tables, views and data types, in this book excerpt.
Designing SQL Server non-clustered indexes for query optimization: Optimize SQL Server non-clustered indexes and queries by considering index fields, compound indexes and SQL Server statistics' impact on non-clustered indexes.
	Creating SQL Server tables and columns: Quick tips to know: Improve performance of SQL Server tables and columns by defining data types, indexes, keys, partitions and more. Create SQL Server columns and tables with these best practices.
Top 10 SQL Server Tips of 2008: Get the top 10 SQL Server tips of 2008 on topics such as clustered index design, log shipping setup, date/time data conversions and many other aspects of SQL Server.
Tutorial: SQL Server indexing tips to improve performance: Significantly improve your SQL Server performance through this tutorial on proper indexing choices. Learn how to design high performing indexes and tune your existing SQL indexes.
Tutorial: Learn SQL Server basics from A-Z: If you're new to SQL Server of simply want a refresher on some fundamentals, check out this tutorial on topics from security and performance to SSIS and using native tools.
Supertype and subtype tables in SQL Server: Learn how to physically implement supertype and subtype tables on a SQL Server in this book excerpt.
SQL Server and data manipulation in T-SQL: Learn about stored procedures, parameters, triggers and other T-SQL code functions in this book excerpt.

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More resources from around the web: - On WebMonkey, Jay Greenspan provides an introduction to "Your First Database." - CUNY describes four types of content in databases. - For more information, see 'Learn IT: Unleashing the Power of the Database.'

FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST File Extension and File Format List: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

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