Database: meaning, definitions and examples

A structured collection of data, typically managed by a Database Management System (DBMS). Useful in various applications like web services, and software systems, where data needs to be easily accessible and manageable.

• The company's customer information is stored in a secure database.
• Developers need to optimize the queries to improve database performance.

A large collection of data, often maintained for research or statistical analysis. Generally used in academic, scientific, or market research environments where vast amounts of data require long-term storage and retrieval.

• The university hosts an extensive data bank for climate change research.
• Accessing the data bank allowed the scientists to perform a historical analysis.

A centralized location where data is stored and managed, often part of a larger data management strategy. Used in scenarios where integration of various data sources and controlled access to data is important.

• Our project uses a data repository to ensure all team members can access up-to-date information.
• They created a data repository for healthcare records to streamline patient information.

A specialized type of database used for reporting and data analysis, typically containing historical data. Ideal for business intelligence and analytics, enabling companies to make informed decisions based on large, aggregated datasets.

• The data warehouse helps in analyzing customer purchase patterns over the last five years.
• We use a data warehouse to consolidate data from various regional offices.

A structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways. Commonly used in the context of IT and computing.

• The company uses a database to store customer information.
• Developers need to maintain the database to ensure efficiency.

A more informal and general term for a place where information is stored, often implying a large collection of various types of information.

• The library acts as an information bank for the community.
• Companies often maintain an information bank for market research.

A system specifically designed for keeping records, often used in a business, legal, or archival context. It implies organized storage of records for future retrieval.

• A good record-keeping system is crucial for compliance with industry regulations.
• The record-keeping system helps ensure that important business transactions are documented.

Any storage system used to hold data, often less formal or specific than a database, and can include more varied types of data including temporary or unstructured data.

• We use a data store to keep logs from our web servers.
• Before processing, the raw data is placed in a data store.

Use this term for structured collections of data stored electronically, usually for the purpose of managing and retrieving data efficiently.

• The company's customer information is kept in a secure database.
• You can search the database for research papers.

Used for a place or a system where a large amount of information, data, or items are stored for preservation and future access, often used in a more technical or digital sense.

• The code repository contains all the versions of the software.
• The museum serves as a repository of historical artifacts.

This word is best suited for a list or collection of items, often organized systematically, and can be either physical or digital.

• The library's catalog includes all the books available for borrowing.
• He checked the company's product catalog to find the right part.

This term is typically used for a detailed list of items or goods in stock, often in a business or warehouse setting.

• The store manager did an inventory check at the end of the month.
• Our inventory needs to be updated to reflect the recent sales.