A <strong>database</strong> is an organized collection of data that can be easily accessed, managed, and updated. It's where applications store information permanently.
The Filing Cabinet
Like a filing cabinet with organized folders, a database stores data in structured tables.
Database
Organized storage
Tables
Folders for different types
Records
Individual documents
Data storage
Organized structure
Find data
Create Tables
Define structure: users table, posts table, etc.
Insert Data
Add new records (new user, new post)
Query Data
Search and retrieve specific information
Update Data
Modify existing records
Delete Data
Remove records when needed
Wrong
Databases are only for big companies with lots of data
Correct
Every app needs a database, even small ones. Your todo app, blog, or game all need to store data somewhere. Without a database, data disappears when you close the app.
A simple blog database:
Users table: id, name, email, password
Posts table: id, title, content, author_id, created_at
Comments table: id, post_id, user_id, text
Query: 'Get all posts by user John' → Returns John's posts
Update: 'Change post title' → Modifies the record