A relational database stores data in separate tables instead of placing all data in one large table. It then allows Data Base Administrators (DBAs) to define relationships between these tables. These relationships enable DBAs to combine data from several tables for querying and reporting. This is accomplished through the use of keys, which are database …
A data dictionary is an integral part of a database. It holds information about the database and the data that it stores, i.e., the meta-data. Any well designed database will surely include a data dictionary as it gives database administrators and other users easy access to the type of data that they should expect to …
Data mining is usually defined as searching, analyzing and sifting through large amounts of data to find relationships, patterns, or any significant statistical correlations. With the advent of computers, large databases and the internet, it is easier than ever to collect millions, billions and even trillions of pieces of data that can then be systematically …
Database replication is the creation and maintenance of multiple copies of the same database. In most implementations of database replication, one database server maintains the master copy of the database and additional database servers maintain slave copies of the database. Database writes are sent to the master database server and are then replicated by the …
ODBC (Open Data Base Connectivity) is an interface to access databases via SQL queries. ODBC can be used as an access tool to various databases such as MS-Access, dBase, DB2, Excel, and Text. Through these Call Level Interface (CLI) specifications of the SQL Access Group, the OBDC allows a neutral way of accessing the data …
Database normalization is the process of organizing data into distinct and unique sets. The purposes of normalization are to: Reduce or eliminate storage of duplicate data Organize data into an efficient and logical structure The process of normalization involves determining what data should be stored in each database table. By tradition, the process of normalization …
MySQL The MySQL database server is the world’s most popular open source database server. Over six million installations use the MySQL database server to power high volume websites and other mission critical business systems including industry leaders like NASA, Yahoo, The Associated Press (AP), Suzuki, and Sabre Holdings. MySQL is an attractive alternative to high …
MOLAP is the term used to refer to multidimensional online analytical processing. It extends traditional OLAP processing through indexing directly into a multidimensional database. This allows users to view various data aggregates in different manners without the added overhead required to conduct similar operations with a relational database. Advantages and Disadvantages of MOLAP Some of …
Most people are familiar with terms like data warehousing, data mining, and data cleansing, but fewer people are familiar with data mart. A data mart is a subsection of a data warehouse that deals with specific information. Much like the chapters of a book, a data mart contains related information that deals with the same …
A DSN (Data Source Name) is an identifier that is used to store information relating to a database connection. DSNs can store a database’s name and server location, the directory that is used to store offline content, the database driver, and the user’s ID and password. DSNs can be used for a wide variety of …