IT Information: Database Resources

A database is a digital filing system used to organize massive or small amounts of data by organizing them into fields, rows, columns, and tables. The benefit of databases is that they can distill and refine information according to purpose and presentation needs. Different types of databases include relational, flat, hierarchy, distributive and deductive databases. Relational databases, the most popular kind, are used to show how one piece of information relates to other pieces in a one-on-one or in a one-to-many format. Hierarchal databases use a tree system to show derivative relationships between pieces of stored information. Distributive databases are use to join together and compare information stored or distributed in a variety of different physical locations and computer systems.

Overview of Databases
Databases became basic mainstream tools for filing digital data on computers roughly in 1986 when relational databases rose to prominence, although professionals in some fields had used databases since 1970. While relational databases are the popular kind today, network databases and hierarchy databases were the original filing platforms. Databases have allowed businesses to store and access large volumes of internal information as well as external customer and client facts. While spreadsheets can perform some organizing and filing tasks, databases offer more options for creating customized queries and reports.

• Timeline: This timeline looks at the history of databases. 
• Origins of Computer Databases: This site looks at the beginnings of computerized databases in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
• Database Overview: This site gives instruction on basic database elements such as servers, objects and trends.
• Relational Databases: This document gives examples, background, and explanation of relational databases and related terminology.
• How to Design a Database: This primer offers easy to understand steps to novices for designing and creating databases.
• Uses for Databases: A look at the most common reasons for using databases.
• Common Database Problems: This site offers tips on handling common problems when using databases anchored on PHP code.
• Database Tutorial: This tutorial uses a quiz format to give a 20-minute lesson on the basics of databases.
• How to Effectively Use Databases: This online booklet lists database vocabulary and teaches why and how to use a databases.
• Database Evolution: This sites looks at the different types of databases and how the filing system has evolved. 

Database Languages
Database languages, colloquially known as query languages, consist of commands and codes used to arrange and rearrange information stored in digital filing systems. These languages enable searches, filtering, and basic database input. There are more than 20 different database languages, including structured query language (SQL), common query language (CQL), and data mining systems (DMX). Each language consists of its own computer syntax but all commonly employ pattern, filter, and construction clauses.

• MSQL: This file explains one language used for data mining.
• Structured Query Language: A primer on queries, string operations, and definitions for SQL.
• PIQL: This paper gives an in-depth look at performance insight query language.
• XML: Article explains the basics of XML query language. 
• MQuery: This presentation explains the language often used for multimedia data.
• Before SQL: This essay looks at the query languages that existed before the pervasive SQL came into vogue. 
• RQL: This presentation looks how the language RQL is used for modern web applications such as digital archives and commercial databases.
• Filing Multimedia: This file explains what languages can be used in industry and academia for storage and retrieving multimedia.
• Language Guide: A basis guide for query languages.
• Formatting Queries: This tip sheet guides users in the syntax and language necessary to properly formatting a query.

Database Software
Database software offers a convenient and efficient way to insert, organize, and distribute data, using either mathematical or visualization formats. Users are easily able to communicate commands for stylizing data by using simple command lines or graphic interface. There are several different kinds of software, ranging from 3I which uses interactive keys to MYSQL, the software used to maintain databases on popular sites like YouTube. All software styles offer ways to prepare for public presentation of data.

• 3I Interactive: An explanation of 3I software: Internet-accessible Interactive Identification.
• BioMon: Software used to organize scientific field research.
• Oracle:  Tutorial on Oracle, which is one of the most common and widely used mainstream software.
• SQL Server:  Website offer details on SQL Server, the database software from Microsoft.
• MYSQL: This site details MYSQL software, which is distributed by MySQL Inc. and used for creating open source databases.
• Cambridge:  Set of directions for using searchable database software known as Cambridge Structural Database.
• Software Guide: This guide discusses commercial software.
• Software Reviews: This respected computer magazine site compiles technical reviews of a variety of database software.
• List of Software: This list includes advanced software for specialized purposes and businesses.
• Choosing the Right Software:  This site answers frequently-asked-questions for those selecting database software and gives tips on selection.

Structured Query Language
Structured Query Language (SQL) is a type of manipulation language that is used to change and maintain information in databases over a server. Commands using SQL can be used to alter specific entry fields or table elements in a database. An SQL language statement generally begins with command verbs, such as “select,” “delete,” and “insert,” followed by references to specific locations in a database and directions on what information or “value” should be inserted or changed in that location. This structure is often colloquially referred to as a “select-from-where” framework.

• SQL Overview: A definition of SQL and examples of SQL commands.
• SQL Installation: Tips on installing an SQL server using an installation wizard from Microsoft.
• Creating Databases: A comprehensive tutorial on setting up an SQL database.
• Creating Tables: A handout on using basic language to create SQL tables. 
• Data Definitions: Explanations on how to make basic changes and a compilation of related definitions.
• Primary and Foreign Keys: This website explains how to use foreign keys to reference primary keys. Includes a link to primary key definition.
• Adding Data: This paragraph gives a basic explanation on adding new data.
• Deleting Data: Basic SQL statements used for deleting information in a table.
• Changing Data: Tutorial on commands to use when altering data in an SQL database.
• PHP and SQL: The use of PHP with SQL for Web coding.

Relational databases have been the standard for years, although many experts think they will lose popularity in the future. Many websites are shifting to a database structure known as distributed key value stores. These stores allow high numbers of users to perform searches and queries at the same time without overwhelming servers and can better handle the more complex demands that come with evolving technology.