Introduction to Databases and SQL¶
Introduction to databases¶
A database in the server is a structured collection of data. It helps store, organize, and manage various types of information like customer details, product inventories, financial records, and more. Using a database allows you to store data in an organized manner, making it easy to retrieve, update, and manipulate as needed.
Advantages¶
Using a database in servers has several benefits. The table below lists these advantages:
| Advantages | Description |
|---|---|
| Efficient Storage | Databases store data in an organized way, making it easy to manage large volumes of information. |
| Quick Retrieval | You can quickly find and retrieve specific data using SQL queries. |
| Data Integrity | Databases ensure data accuracy and consistency through constraints and relationships. |
| Scalability | Databases can handle growing amounts of data and users efficiently. |
| Security | Databases provide robust security features to protect sensitive data. |
Disadvantages¶
While databases offer many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. The table below outlines these disadvantages:
| Disadvantages | Description |
|---|---|
| Complex Setup | Setting up and configuring a database can be complex and time-consuming. |
| Maintenance | Databases require regular maintenance and updates to function optimally. |
| Resource Intensive | Databases can consume significant server resources, impacting performance. |
| Backup and Recovery | Proper backup and recovery processes are necessary to prevent data loss. |
| Cost | Licensing and operational costs for databases can be high, especially for large-scale deployments. |
Permissions required¶
To create a database on a server, a user must have the CREATE privilege. This privilege allows the user to create new databases and tables within those databases.
Using SQL Commands with a database¶
Create a database¶
You use the CREATE DATABASE command to create a new database in the server. This command tells the server to create a new database with the specified name. For example, to create a database named my_database, you execute the following command:
mysql> CREATE DATABASE my_database;
This command creates a new, empty database called my_database. You can then start adding tables and data to this database.
Select a database¶
After creating a database, you need to select it to start working with it. Use the USE command to specify which database you want to use for your SQL statements. For example, to select the my_database database, you execute the following command:
mysql> USE my_database;
This command tells the server to use my_database for all subsequent SQL commands. Now, any SQL operations you perform will apply to my_database.
Database management¶
Get expert help¶
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