Database Types

Where to start. After reading the article about the different database types, it appears to me even more that the type of database to be used is extremely dependent on the task(s) to be performed and what the designer and/or use hope to accomplish.

For the average user, a basic relational database is probably all that is needed. I think of at school and the students primary key is their ID number that links the counseling office and the front office. The front office deals more with the students contact information, while the counseling office deals with schedules. The two tables of data are linked by the student ID when questions arise that each of the two offices may need to look up.

I can see insurance companies using a hierarchical form of a database since there is the primary covered person, “parent”, and the secondary covered person(s) “child(ren)” that are linked to the parent. All records lead back upward to the parent.

A network form of a database seems like it could get out of hand and become extremely complex in the links and connections that could be formed. What comes to mind here is an airline reservation site like Expedia or Orbitz. The cross-links that could be formed between airlines and cities and times and all of the other variables could create a web of connections that could be very complex.

In the areas of science and engineering for example, it seems very logical that an object-oriented database would make a great deal of sense. There is often a great deal of data that is stored, but often needs to be manipulated in some manner by a specific program. The database can store the data while the application program can process as needed for the necessary reports or other results.

This is a link that I found on the web that is a brief PowerPoint in pdf format explaining the basic types of databases followed by some basic database terminology and some in depth explanations specific to Access. Very useful for a high school level class.

http://www.slais.ubc.ca/COURSES/arst593b/03-04-wt2/7_TheRelationalDatabaseModel.pdf