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Data, Database, and everything else about Data!

September 14, 2023

Data is the new oil, they say. Don’t worry there is not going to be another Iran war. Although the recent AI hype overshadowed the importance of data, it is really an intangible modern-day wealth. Thankfully it is intangible and virtual, otherwise, Indians would ask for it too as dowries. Data indeed powers everything you see and interact with on the internet. But, is it really the new oil? See what Kearney has to say.

What is Data?

Data refers to information that is collected and stored pertaining to a specific person, place, thing, or entity, including the various characteristics or attributes associated with that entity. As an example, if you're gathering and saving information about local restaurants, each restaurant serves as an individual entity, and its name, address, and operating hours represent attributes or characteristics of that entity. The entirety of the information you compile and retain about your favourite restaurants constitutes data.

What is a Database?

For starters, a database represents a structured assembly of information, typically stored electronically in a computer system. Normally, a database is overseen by a Database Management System (DBMS). When you bring together the data, the DBMS, and the associated applications, you create what's commonly known as a database system, often simply referred to as a database. In today's most prevalent types of databases, data is usually structured into rows and columns within a series of tables. This arrangement is crafted to enhance the efficiency of data processing and querying. It facilitates straightforward access, administration, modification, updates, control, and organisation of data. For the most part, databases rely on Structured Query Language (SQL) for tasks such as writing and querying data.

What is SQL?

SQL, short for Structured Query Language, functions as a programming language utilised across nearly all relational databases. Its primary roles encompass querying, altering, and defining data, along with managing access control. The origins of SQL can be traced back to IBM in the 1970s, with significant contributions from Oracle. This collaborative effort culminated in the establishment of the SQL ANSI standard. Over time, SQL has served as the foundation for various extensions introduced by major companies like IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft. While SQL continues to be widely employed, there is a growing trend of new programming languages emerging in the realm of database management.

Types of Databases:

There are various types of databases and the best database for a specific organisation depends on how the organisation intends to use the data. Types of databases are as follows:

  • Relational databases(Learn more about Database Schemas here)

  • Object-oriented databases

  • Distributed databases

  • Data warehouses

  • NoSQL databases

  • Graph databases

  • OLTP databases

What is a Database Management System?

For the uninitiated, a database management system (or DBMS) is fundamentally just a computerised data-keeping system. Users of the system are given the ability to perform a variety of operations on such a system for either manipulating the data in the database or managing the database structure itself. Data structures or types are used to group database management systems (DBMSs).

What is a Relational Database Management System?

When data is stored in one or more tables (or "relations") of columns and rows, it becomes easy to see and understand how different data structures relate to one another. A relational database is a collection of data that organises data in predefined relationships. Relationships are logical connections between various tables that are created as a result of interactions between these tables. Here is the list of the top 10 most popular RDBMSs:

  • Oracle

  • MySQL

  • SQL Server

  • PostgreSQL

  • IBM DB2

  • Microsoft Access

  • SQLite

  • MariaDB

  • Informix

  • Azure SQL

Data literacy is often overlooked and an underrated skill nowadays. According to Gartner, Data literacy is the ability to read, write, and communicate with data in context, which includes having a working knowledge of the various data sources and constructs, employing analytical techniques and methodologies appropriately, and being able to explain the use case, application, and value that can be derived from it. The capacity and desire of an employee to use current and upcoming technologies to improve business outcomes is known as digital dexterity, and it is a key component of data literacy. So, if you are a budding Data Engineer or a Data Analyst, or even a product manager or a Management Consultant, become data literate first.

Further Readings and learnings :