In this episode, we continue the series of overview discussions. This time around we will cover a databases overview. We looked at SDLC in the prior installment of this series and will discuss databases in a two-parter. This first part includes definitions and high-level summaries of database engines, types, and terms.

Databases Overview - The Engines

To the untrained observer, a database is a place to store data. This definition works well if you do not need to go any deeper. Unfortunately, we do, and one of the critical distinctions among databases is how they store that data. This fact is not easier to learn by the abbreviations used in talking about them. One of the more significant parts of this episode covers RDBMS, OODBMS, ISAM, and other major engines as well as what makes them different. This is an essential first step in getting us comfortable with the world of data storage.

The Moving Parts The other primary focus is for those that want to understand careers in database technology or advance theirs. We go over some of the critical facets of working in a database as an administrator or developer. This coverage includes things like SQL, stored procedures, functions, and triggers. But that's not all. There are tiers of sorts of database skills, and we look at how these pieces sort out. Pun intended. This does not go as far as being a tutorial in these areas, but it should make you much more comfortable in your understanding of them.

Databases Overview - Laying The Groundwork