History of Database Applications
A Brief History of Database Applications
This section provides an overview of the early database applications using hierarchical and network systems, relational databases, object-oriented databases, and interchanging data on the web for e-commerce.
Early Database Applications Using Hierarchical and Network Systems
- Early database systems were based on three database models: the hierarchical database model, network model-based systems, and inverted file systems.
- The hierarchical database model is a data model where data is organized into a tree-like structure starting from the root node.
- The network database model was created to solve the shortcomings of the hierarchical database model but did not become dominant.
- One of the main problems with early database systems was that it was not very flexible to develop new queries and reorganizing data was difficult when changes were made to requirements.
Providing Application Flexibility with Relational Databases
- Relational databases organize data into tables which can be linked or related based on the data.
- High-level query language was introduced in the relational data model which made it easier and quicker to write new queries.
- Initially, performance of relational databases was slow but improved gradually with introduction of new storage and indexing techniques.
Object-Oriented Databases
- Object-oriented programming languages led to development of object-oriented databases which incorporated many features like data abstraction encapsulation inheritance.
- These databases were limited due to their complexity and are mainly used in specialized applications like engineering design manufacturing systems.
Interchanging Data on Web for E-commerce
- Users can create documents using HTML or hypertext markup language and store these documents on web servers so that other users or web clients can access them.
- Information on e-commerce web pages were data that were dynamically extracted from the DBMS when required.
- XML or extended markup language is considered as the primary standard for interchange of data between the web page and databases.
Types of Database Applications
In this section, the speaker discusses different types of database applications and their purposes.
Storage and Retrieval of Data
- Large amounts of data or results from scientific experiments
- Images like X-rays and MRI
- Videos
- Data mining applications to analyze large amounts of data
- Spatial applications that store geographic data like weather information
Challenges with Basic Relational Model
- Complex data structures were needed for some applications.
- New data types were required.
- New query language was necessary to manipulate new data types.
- New storage and indexing techniques were needed.
Extending Database Capabilities
- Developers added functionalities to their systems.
- Concepts from object-oriented databases were incorporated into relational systems.
- Modules were created for optional functionality, such as time series applications that store information at regular points in time.
Time Series Applications
This section focuses on time series applications and how they are used with relational databases.
Time Series Module
- Users can buy a time series module to use with their relational databases for their time series application.
- Basic relational systems are not very suitable for many of these applications.
Conclusion
The speaker concludes by summarizing the historical overview of database applications and how they have led to new types of database systems.
Historical Overview
- Database applications provided stimuli for new types of database systems.
- Different types of database applications include storage and retrieval of data, images, videos, spatial information, and data mining.
- Challenges with basic relational model led developers to add functionalities to their systems.
- Time series modules can be used with relational databases for time series applications.