Databases 1.1

API

set of rules, protocols, and tools that allow different software applications to communicate with each other

Data

raw, unprocessed facts and figures held within a database

Metadata

gives context to the raw data

ex. what field it came from, when it was added to the database

Information

data within context that gives it meaning

Knowledge

the understanding, insights, and experience derived from information and data

ex. interpreting meaning, recognizing patterns, making strategic decisions

Flat Files

databases that store data in a single table with no linkages to other files

Delimeter

character or set of characters that specifies the boundary between regions of plain text

ex. comma, colon, slash

Relational Database

databases that store data in many tables that link together using common values

MongoDB

type of NoSQL flat file database that stores data in an object-oriented way

DBMS

software that manages the database within the entire database system

who can add data, who can view data, what APIs have access to database

database management system

Systems Administrators

oversee entire database/information system to ensure everything is operating normally

manages infrastructure the database runs on

Database Designers

designs database structure to ensure design fits business needs and functions efficiently

DBAs

user that manages the DBMS to ensure it is running correctly

controls access and optimizes queries

database administrator

Systems Analyst

designs and implements the applications that interact with the database systems

NoSQL Database

type of non-relational database used in most modern situations

designed for large volume and scalability

Non-Relational Database

database that does not use the typical tabular format of relational databases

Schema

structure of a database

defines what tables exist and what data can be held in the tables

Document-Oriented Databases

a key is paired with a complex data structure

each document may have it’s own unique fields

Key-Value Stores

each entry is a key paired with a single value

Wide Column Stores

stores data in tables but each row may have a different format

Graph Stores

database that links edges, nodes, and properties together

shows a relationship between things

Transactional Database

database designed to manage day-today real time operations

Analytical Database

database designed to store, retrieve, and analyze large volumes of data

used to make long term business decisions and analyze trends

OLTP Databases

databases created to handle real time transactions through creating, modifying, retrieving, and deleting data

online transaction processing databases

Columnar Data Storage

storage method for analytical databases

each column is stored separately, queries scan specific columns for quicker data retrieval

Data Warehouse

backend data storage used for analysis and reporting

stores transactional data in a more efficient manner

OLAP

software used to analyze data held in a data warehouse, typically for business analytics