Database and SQL Training FAQ

What is a database?

Simply, a database is computer program that stores data in "tables" and provides an interface to get that data out of the tables into a useful format.

What is SQL?

SQL stands for "Structured Query Language" and is a language used to "query" (i.e. extract data from) databases. Typically SQL is used to write the query and then another program (often the database program itself) is used to display the results of the query.

All of the major database programs "understand" SQL (even though many also offer their own query interfaces).

What are the common database programs found in businesses?

There are many database programs out there. For the PC the most popular are Microsoft’s Access and FileMaker. For large scale applications that you find in medium to large businesses you’ll find Oracle, DB2, Microsoft’s SQL Server and Sybase. Behind database driven web site you’ll typically find Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL (a free database product), or Access. There are numerous other products available, as well as many specialized products geared towards a specific industry or application.

What types of jobs are available to someone that knows about databases?

Databases seem to have worked their way into almost all parts of businesses. From accounting systems, to storing mailing lists, to collecting information or product orders on web sites, databases drive many of the computer applications we interact with.

Many office workers can find all sorts of uses for databases if they have a good understanding of a desktop database application like Access. Information that used to be stored and tracked by hand can be put into a database and analyzed in ways never possible before.

Web Developers often use databases to drive the backend of their websites. Databases can be used to store product information for online stores, online orders, information that is then displayed as pages on the website, and for many other applications

. Almost all businesses use databases and someone has to manage those systems. DBA (Database Administrator) is the title most often given to the person responsible for setting up the database servers, backing up the data, maintaining the server (keeping it running and fixing problems), performance tuning, etc. Realted Articles