Database

History and evolution of databases

History and evolution of databases

Origins

The origins of databases date back to ancient times, when libraries and all kinds of records already existed. However, their search was slow and inefficient and they did not have the help of machines that could replace manual work. Later, the use of databases developed from the need to store large amounts of information or data. Later, in the fifties, magnetic tapes were created to automate information and make backups. This served to supply the information needs of the new industries.

1960s

The computer industry was still booming during the 1960s and thanks to this fact there was a computerized database that coincided with the appearance of the first personal computers. Subsequently, two new database models appeared, the network database model devised by Charles Bachman, whose purpose was to present a flexible registry where data was connected to each other through links in a network system. In the hierarchical database model, data are distributed in a tree-like figure.

1970s

The famous relational database model came into existence during the 1970s thanks to Edgar Frank Codd. His influence was so significant that his contributions served as the basis for the design of Oracle. In 1974 the structured query language or SQL appeared, which is nothing more than a type of language that offers a simple programming level, facilitating the structuring and retrieval of information contained in databases.

1980s & 1990s

The 1980s welcomed with open arms the growing database modeling movement, as well as the utility of the query language, with SQL leading the way. With the arrival of the 90's, Microsoft Office launched its database management system known as Microsoft Access, designed to gather data and information from other platforms. In addition, we cannot overlook a historic event, the launch of the World Wide Web (WWW).

XXI Century

It is evident that today's databases are the living example of the improvements that have been made over the years with the intention of keeping up with digital demand. In addition, the rise of the Internet, as well as the continuous advances in electronics and computing, have allowed databases to be a useful tool that adapts to any operating system in a variety of scenarios. On the other hand, database management systems are essential to determine the effectiveness of a database in the short and long term, since they offer security, immediate access and ease of information exchange; in other words, they are useful for storing, modifying and managing data. Therefore, it is recommended that users create their own database from a database management software that meets the magnitude and purposes of the type of segmentation they want to achieve.

General definition of Databases from various authors

Christopher J. Date "A database is a persistent data set that is used by the application systems of some given enterprise." (Date, 2001). Ramirez Elmasri and Sham Navathe. "Collection of interrelated data." (Elmasri and Navathe, 1989). "Collection or repository of integrated data, stored on secondary media and with controlled redundancy. ", Piattini et al. (2006).

Types of databases

Characteristics and objectives of databases

The main purpose of the database is none other than to store, organize and provide information in a simple way. The data to be stored can be simply a series of records or it can also be large amounts of data. Storing and organizing information in a database allows access to the data at any time. This quick and easy access can be done by multiple users through specific queries.

The main characteristics of a database system are: Multiplatform Secure Flexible Code independent

Advantages of databases vs. file systems

Transaction supportConcurrent access Data normalization Expandability, flexibility, scalability Compliance with standards Quick access to queries Interoperability

Relational and non-relational databases

Database Structures

It corresponds to each of the elements, formats and standards that integrate it and allow the optimal operation of the same, making an efficient storage of data, without being able to be lost, during the performance of the program in digital mode. For the structure of a database to be optimal it must save space on the memory disk, eliminating data that can slow down the system, also allows the integrity and security of the data stored and allows access to the data in the most useful way possible, For the structure of a database it is indispensable the formation of tables that allow to store the reviews, but it is primordial to establish the suitable management to know which of the data are those that must be stored, for it is required mainly a very simple structure on the part of each data to be stored.

Parts of a database.

Tables will allow us to store the data. With queries we will be able to access the stored data, sort them and filter them by different criteria. Reports will be the most efficient way to present our data. Forms make data entry tasks easier.

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