Untitled Flashcards Set

transaction

A group of queries that must be either completed or rejected as a whole.

architecture

Describes the internal components and the relationships between components of a database system.

query processor

Interprets queries, creates a plan to modify the database or retrieve data, and returns results.

query optimization

The process of ensuring the most efficient instructions are executed on the data.

storage manager

Translates query processor instructions into low-level file-system commands that modify or retrieve data.

indexes

Used by the storage manager to quickly locate data.

transaction manager

Ensures transactions are properly executed.

log

A file containing a complete record of all inserts, updates, and deletes processed by the database.

catalog / data dictionary

A directory of tables, columns, indexes, and other database objects.

relational database

Stores data in tables, columns, and rows, similar to a spreadsheet.

SQL

Structured Query Language; includes statements that read/write data, create/delete tables, and administers the database.

big data

Massive volumes of online data generated by the growth of the internet, often poorly structured or missing information.

NoSQL

Newer non-relational systems optimized for big data, also known as 'not only SQL'.

Open source

Software that anyone can inspect, copy, and modify with no licensing fee.