Types of Databases
There are basically two types of databases
1) flat-file
2) relational
The usage and the aptness is dependent on the type of data and the quantity of data which is to be processed and how frequently it will be brought to use.
Flat-File
The simple data can be stored in this type; they are perfect for a little bit of data that has to read by humans or has to be edited by hands. It is easy and simple for simple queries, but to process complex queries in this, it needs a lot of time and money. Also the kinds of techniques used in storing complex data will probably render the data unreadable in this type of a file and the file will also be un-editable, to anyone who wants to do the same. A common delimiter is used to split up the file of a typical flat-file database. In a very siple database, it would be no more than a comma, but for complex queries, the strings are usually split up by tabs, or a combination of characters, which would not be present in the database.
These files are though, very prone to errors and corrupt easily, the modification of files has to be done on the level of the script itself, thus creating corrupt files and wiped away files.
Relational
Databases like MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle, present a logical composition in the way that the data is stored, the tables in this can actually be used to present the real world objects such as cars having the make no and design of each car, with every field itself acting as an attribute.
The relation is made by cross referencing different tables, thus providing more information, these relations can get quite complex and are hard to maintain in flat –file options.
If the database is efficiently designed, there would not be any duplication of data, which in turn helps maintain integrity. The file sizes are also considerably reduced. And also the inbuilt features help the web designers maintain the database in a better organized way.
