With passing time, data is being generated at a collaborative level. For instance, businesses storing records of their customers’ information, or social media platforms storing records of users’ activities, there is a reason why data is one of the prominent parts of modern society. In order for data to be functional, it calls for active organization, effective storage, and accessibility. This is where databases come into play. A database can be defined as a systematic collection of data that is able to be managed, maintained and modified with ease. Databases are managed through the use of a language that is usually referred to as SQL (Structured Query Language). This article explains the basic concepts of databases and SQL in the context of their combined purpose - effective data management.

What Exactly is a Database?

A database can be defined as a collection that is digital in form which serves the essential purpose of data collection in an organized manner. It is specifically built to support a diverse range of levels of structured information which includes the simple ones to the clearer more complex ones so that data is easy to store, find and edit. Databases have many applications in finance, healthcare, education and even e-commerce. Picture a world without databases — how will we handle or even access information? It would be a nightmare!

Databases can come in different forms with the most common being the relational database. In a relational database, data is kept in tables that are made up of columns and rows, much like a sheet in a spreadsheet. There is always a specific reason as to why a table exists and the information that is contained in it relates to other tables. For example, in a library database, one table might contain books, others patrons, and other transactions such as checkouts of the books. They are joined together with relationships so that the data can be accessed and changed easily.

The relational databases are complemented by a wider range of methods known as non-relational databases which store and access data in a different way. Such types of databases are usually required when data is in its raw form, or when size and speed are the main issues.

The Role of SQL in Databases

As much as a database can be defined as a collection of related data that is stored in the form of a structured file, SQL can be defined as a language that allows one to work with that data. SQL is the standard tool for interacting with relational databases, enabling users to query, alter, and control the information on the database. It’s the layer that connects users to the database, serving to help facilitate adding new data, getting specific data, changing or removing some records.

SQL is indispensable when making use of relational databases. It enables the user to execute such functions as:

- Selecting data: Extracting necessary information from one or several tables.
- Inserting data: The action of acquiring an insertion within a table.
- Updating data: The action of modifying the existing record within a table.
- Deleting data: The action of eliminating a record contained within a table.
- Creating and managing tables: Creation of a database which contains, among other related entities, columns and tables.

It’s all in the plain language and each statement performs a different task in the system. For example, the command WHICH is used to retrieve the information from the database, and the one called ADD is used to insert records. The usefulness of SQL comes with the fact that it is able to integrate more than one commands and compose them into complex queries to be able to get the specific information required.

Why Are Databases Important?

Moreover, databases are very important since they allow for the safe and proper usage of information. In the contemporary world it is evident that companies desire trustworthy systems in order to keep all the data in order. Therefore, the usefulness of Databases is not only limited to data keeping, as they also enable data honesty, safety and retrieval.

1. Data Integrity:

One of the prime objectives of a database is accuracy of the data. The use of constraints and keys minimizes the data incorporated into the tables so that the information displays more consistency and is less erroneous in nature instead of adhering to a set of rules.

2. Security:

Given that a database stores information such as financial records or personal information, the need for security is paramount. It is possible to define granular security policies in relation to the database and databases themselves provide strong protection from unauthorized access and use of the information.

3. Efficiency:

A Database is aimed at eliminating complex tasks associated with the management of large volumes of structured data. It is definitely quicker to look, update and delete data within the database rather than searching for such information physically in files. Furthermore, the fact that indexes and optimised queries can be employed increases this efficiency.

4. Data Accessibility:

The ease of access to data which is one of the primary attributes of a database stands out. If you have permission to access databases, you can now easily obtain data from a few months of sales records to a single customer's purchase information in a matter of seconds.

Basic Operations in SQL

There are multiple Database Commands in SQL which makes it a useful language.

1. SELECT:

The SELECT command is used to get information stored in one or more tables. There are several options that allow one to limit the data returned by a SELECT and get the relevant information to them.

2. INSERT INTO:

With this command one introduces new entries into the table. The values of all the columns in a table are supplied and SQL will enter them in the correct row.

3. UPDATE:

The update statement is used to change a record or records which are already in the database. Furthermore, it can change more than one value of a row if conditions are met, for instance address of the customer record.

4. DELETE:

The DELETE statement is a query that allows removing data from the database in a systematic manner. It can delete a row or even all rows depending on the set conditions.

5. CREATE TABLE:

This command should be executed whenever a new table is defined. The creation of the table is done with the definition of the data which will be contained in the cells.

6. CHANGES FROM AUSF TABLE:

The command AUSF CHANGES FROM TABLE provides the ability to change the existing table. This command allows for inserting new columns in the table, changing the definition of existing columns and even deleting some of the columns from a table.

7. DELETES TABLE:

But in case when you don’t need a table any longer the command DELETES TABLE can be used to fully eradicate this table from the database.

These fundamental commands can be combined to build up advanced queries. For example, to retrieve data from different tables that share common fields use the command JOIN, to count, report sums or averages use the command GROUP BY.