college of computing and informatics

Department of Software Engineering For the Course

Comprehensive study on database

Past, present and future of database
GROUP NAME ID

1.Aliyu Yunus 0349/13

2.Abdi Lamu 0019/13

3.Abdinago Ashiga 0045/13

4. Adem Ahmed 0239/13

5. Entonyos Solomon 0975/13

6. Abreham Gizachew 0195/13

JUNE 24, 2023

SUBMITTED TO gizachew Msc
By Group-1
 History and Background of Database
Database
First let us defined the word data. The word ‘data’ is driven from the Latin word “datum” which means “to give”.
It is the plural of datum, but most of the time used as a singular noun. We usually say data is available, not data are
available. Datum or data means a fact, an event or a piece of information. Data is a representation of a fact, figure,
and idea; it can be a number, word, or image. Thus, data refers to qualitative or quantitative attributes of a variable
or set of variables. Data in itself does not really mean anything just a cluster of numbers, words, or images out of
context with no relation to the other facts. For instance, data consisting of the numbers 10 and 12 could mean
anything - a date, an age of someone, an age group, or a month. However, data consisting of 10 boys and 12 girls
will give more meaning to the data, showing we are counting the boys and girls in a group or set of people/class.
This characterization of the data is known as the metadata - data about the data.
Once data is collected, there is a question of what to do with this abundance of data; thus, the need to organize it,
store it, and make it available when needed. The human race coined the term database.
A Database is a collection of related data that is organized and structured in a way that allows for efficient
storage, retrieval, and manipulation of data. Typically, a database is used to store data that is related to a particular
domain or subject, such as customer information for a business or medical records for a healthcare provider.
A database is a software system that is designed to store, organize, and manage large volumes of data in a
structured and efficient manner. A database typically consists of one or more tables, each of which contains a set
of related data. A table is made up of columns, which define the type of data that is stored, and rows, which
represent individual data records.
It can be structured in different ways, depending on the needs of the application. The most common type of
database is a relational database, which stores data in tables with rows and columns. Other types of databases
include NoSQL databases, which are designed to handle unstructured and semi-structured data, and object-
oriented databases, which allow for the storage of complex objects with methods and behavior.

Emergence of Database

Databases have existed since the beginning of civilization and in fact define civilization, but were initially not
electronic in nature means before the widespread use of computers. When people need to store knowledge or keep
track of information, they wrote them down, cataloged them using paper indices.
the emergence of databases began with the recognition of the importance of organizing and managing large
amounts of data. People sought ways to efficiently store and retrieve information in various industries, leading to
the development of early database systems.
One of the earliest forms of databases can be seen in libraries, where card catalogs were introduced to organize
and index books based on authors, titles, and subjects. These structured indexing systems improved the
accessibility and retrieval of books for library users.
In other sectors, such as government agencies and businesses, manual systems were employed to store and manage
data. Paper-based filing systems and index cards were used to organize information and facilitate easy retrieval
when needed. These manual databases improved the organization and cross-referencing of data within these
organizations

So the book was the very first kind of database. These were not electronic databases, but nevertheless served the
same purpose and set the stage for the revolutionary changes that would come with the advent of computers. With
the introduction of computers, databases would undergo further transformation, leading to the development of
more sophisticated database management systems capable of handling larger volumes of data and providing faster
access.

Evolution of Database

Hierarchical Databases
Hierarchical databases were popular in the 1960s because they were easy to implement and provided fast access
to data. However, they were limited in their ability to model complex relationships between data, and they
required a lot of maintenance to keep the data structure up-to-date.

Network Databases
Network databases improved on the limitations of hierarchical databases by allowing records to be linked to
multiple parent records. This made it easier to model complex relationships between data, but it also made the
databases more complex and difficult to maintain.
Relational Databases
Relational databases were a major breakthrough in the 1980s because they provided a more flexible way to model
data relationships. By storing data in tables with predefined relationships between them, relational
databases allowed for more powerful querying and analysis of data. They also made it easier for non-technical
users to work with databases.
Object-Oriented Databases
Object-oriented databases were developed in the 1990s as a way to store more complex data structures and
behavior. They allowed for data to be stored in objects, which could include both data and behavior. This made it
easier to model real-world objects and processes in a database.
NoSQL Databases
NoSQL databases emerged in the 2000s as a response to the limitations of relational databases for handling large
volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data. NoSQL databases are designed to handle data that does not fit
neatly into tables and rows, making them more flexible and scalable.
Cloud Databases
Cloud databases have become more popular in recent years as more organizations move their data to the
cloud. Cloud databases offer the benefits of scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making them attractive
for organizations of all sizes.
Blockchain Databases
Blockchain databases have emerged as a way to provide secure and transparent storage and management of data in
a decentralized network. Blockchain databases are designed to be tamper-proof and resistant to hacking, making
them ideal for applications that require high levels of security and trust.
Overall, the evolution of databases has been driven by the need to store and manage ever-increasing volumes of
data in a more efficient and effective way, while providing more powerful and flexible ways to query and analyze
data. The future of databases is likely to be shaped by emerging technologies such as artificial
intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things, which will require even more powerful and flexible
database systems.

Application of Database

Nowadays, any business that has small or large amounts of data needs a database to store and manage the
information. The database is an easy, reliable, secure, and efficient way to maintain business information. There
are many applications where databases are used.
Banking
It is one of the major applications of databases. Banks have a huge amount of data as millions of people have
accounts that need to be maintained properly. The database keeps the record of each user in a systematic manner.
Banking databases store a lot of information about account holders. It stores customer details, asset details,
banking transactions, balance sheets, credit card and debit card details, loans, fixed deposits, and much more.
Everything is maintained with the help of a database.
Government
Databases are used in government applications to manage data related to public services, such as tax records,
voting records, and social welfare programs.
Transportation

Databases are used in transportation applications to manage data related to traffic patterns, vehicle tracking, and
logistics.

Library Management System

There are hundreds and thousands of books in the library, so it is not easy to maintain the records of the books in a
register or diary, so a database management system is used which maintains the information of the library
efficiently. The library database stores information like book name, issue date, author name, book availability,
book issuer name, book return details, etc.

Business applications: Databases are used extensively in business applications such as customer relationship
management (CRM) systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and financial management systems.
These applications help organizations to manage data related to their operations, customers, and finances.

Healthcare applications

Databases are used in healthcare applications to manage patient information such as medical histories, test results,
and treatment plans. This data can be accessed by healthcare professionals to provide better care to patients.

Education applications

Databases are used in education applications to manage student information such as grades, attendance records,
and course schedules. This data can be used by teachers and administrators to track student progress and improve
educational outcomes.
Research applications

Databases are used in research applications to manage large volumes of data, such as scientific data or survey
data. This data can be analyzed to draw insights and make informed decisions.

Web applications

Databases are used in web applications to store and manage user data, such as login credentials, user preferences,
and browsing history. This data can be used to provide personalized experiences and improve user engagement.

E-commerce Websites

E-commerce websites are one of the prominent applications of the database. Websites such as Flipkart, Myntra,
Amazon, Nykaa, Snapdeal, Shopify, and many more, are online shopping websites where people buy items online.
These websites have so much data. These websites use databases to securely store and maintain customer details,
product details, dealer details, purchase details, bank & card details, transactions details, invoice details, etc. You
can analyze the sales and maintain the inventory with the help of a database.

Databases are a critical component of modern computing infrastructure, providing a powerful tool for managing
and processing large volumes of data in a wide range of applications what we mentioned in the above are some of
its applications. Their importance will only continue to grow as organizations generate and process ever-increasing
amounts of data.

Benefits of databases include

Improved data accuracy and consistency: Databases enforce rules and constraints on data, which helps to
ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

Increased efficiency and productivity: Databases provide fast and efficient access to data, which helps to
improve productivity and reduce errors.

Better decision-making: Databases provide a centralized location for storing and managing data, which makes it
easier to analyze data and make informed decisions.
Data security and privacy: Databases provide mechanisms for securing data, such as user authentication and
access control, which helps to ensure that data is protected from unauthorized access.

Features of Database in Past, Present and Future

Past
In the past, databases were typically based on the relational model, which organized data into tables consisting of
rows and columns. Each table represented a specific type of data, such as customers, orders, or products.

Data was stored in a structured format, with predefined fields and data types. This made it easy to search and
retrieve data using SQL queries, which could be used to filter, sort, and aggregate data.

In addition to basic querying capabilities, databases also offered features such as indexing, transactions,
and referential integrity to ensure the consistency and accuracy of data.

However, in the past, databases were often limited in their scalability and performance, and required specialized
expertise to manage and maintain. They were also typically deployed on-premises, rather than in the cloud, which
added to the complexity and cost of managing them.

Apart from the relational model, databases in the past also included other models such as hierarchical and network
models. These models were used to organize data in a tree-like structure or a graph-like structure respectively.
However, the relational model became the most widely used model due to its simplicity, flexibility, and ease of
use.

Databases in the past also had limited storage capacity and processing power. Data was typically stored on hard
disk drives (HDDs), which were slower and had lower capacity than modern solid-state drives (SSDs). This meant
that databases had to be designed to optimize the use of available storage and processing power.

In terms of performance, databases in the past often suffered from performance issues due to the limitations of
hardware and software. Queries could take a long time to execute, and database administrators had to carefully
tune and optimize the database to improve performance.
Databases in the past were also typically managed by dedicated database administrators (DBAs) who had
specialized knowledge and training in database management. These DBAs were responsible for designing,
deploying, and maintaining the database, as well as ensuring its security and availability.

Overall, databases in the past were powerful tools for storing and managing data, but they were often complex and
difficult to manage. With advancements in technology, modern databases have become more scalable, flexible,
and easy to use, making them accessible to a wider range of users and applications.

Present
In the present day, databases have evolved significantly and offer a wide range of features and capabilities. Here
are some of the key features of modern databases:

Cloud-based: Many databases today are cloud-based, which means they can be accessed and managed over the
internet. This eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure and provides scalability and flexibility.

Big Data: Modern databases can handle large volumes of data, including unstructured and semi-structured data,
such as text, images, and videos. This makes them ideal for big data applications.

NoSQL: Non-relational databases, also known as NoSQL databases, have become popular due to their flexibility
and scalability. They can handle unstructured and semi-structured data, and are optimized for distributed
architectures.

In-memory: In-memory databases store data in RAM, which provides faster access and processing speeds
compared to traditional disk-based databases. This makes them ideal for real-time applications.

Security: Modern databases offer robust security features, including encryption, access control, and auditing, to
protect data from unauthorized access and ensure compliance with regulations.

Analytics: Many databases today come with built-in analytics capabilities, including data warehousing, data
mining, and machine learning, which enable businesses to gain insights and make data-driven decisions.
Open-source: Open-source databases have become increasingly popular due to their lower cost and flexibility.
Many open-source databases offer similar features and capabilities to proprietary databases.

Overall, modern databases are designed to be scalable, flexible, and easy to manage, making them ideal for a wide
range of applications, from small-scale projects to large enterprise-level systems.

Multi-model databases: Modern databases often support multiple data models, including document, graph, and
key-value. This allows developers to choose the most appropriate data model for their application, and to combine
different models within a single database.

Distributed architectures: Distributed databases are designed to run on multiple servers and handle large volumes
of data across multiple nodes. This makes them highly scalable and fault-tolerant, ensuring that data remains
available even in the event of hardware or network failures.

Integration with other tools: Modern databases are often integrated with other tools and technologies,
including data integration tools, data visualization tools, and ETL (extract, transform, load) tools. This makes it
easier to manage and analyze data across different systems.

APIs and programming languages: Modern databases often provide APIs (application programming interfaces)
and support for programming languages such as Python, Java, and JavaScript. This makes it easier for developers
to work with databases and integrate them into their applications.

Real-time processing: Modern databases are often optimized for real-time processing, enabling applications to
handle large volumes of data in real-time. This is particularly important for applications such as IoT (Internet of
Things) and real-time analytics.

Automation: Many modern databases include automation features such as automatic backups, automatic scaling,
and automatic failover. This reduces the need for manual intervention and makes it easier to manage databases at
scale.

Overall, modern databases are highly advanced and offer a wide range of features and capabilities to meet the
needs of businesses and developers. Whether you're building a small-scale application or a large-scale enterprise
system, there is likely a database that can meet your needs.
Future
As technology continues to evolve, the future of databases is likely to bring even more advanced features and
capabilities. Here are some potential features we could see in the future:

Blockchain-based databases: Blockchain technology offers a secure, decentralized way to store and manage data.
In the future, we may see databases built on blockchain technology that offer greater security and transparency.

Quantum databases: Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize the way we store and process
data. Quantum databases could offer faster processing speeds and greater scalability than traditional databases.

Augmented analytics: Augmented analytics uses machine learning and natural language processing to
automate data analysis and provide insights. In the future, we may see databases that incorporate augmented
analytics capabilities, making it easier to extract insights from large volumes of data.

Automated data management: As the volume of data continues to grow, managing it all can become increasingly
challenging. In the future, we may see databases that incorporate automated data management capabilities, such as
intelligent data categorization and data lifecycle management.

Personalized databases: With the rise of personalized products and services, we may see databases that are tailored
to individual users. These databases could store and manage data based on individual preferences and needs,
providing a more personalized experience.

Natural language processing: Natural language processing (NLP) could be used to enable users to interact with
databases using natural language queries. This would make it easier for non-technical users to access and analyze
data.

Spatial and temporal databases: As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, we may see databases that are
optimized for spatial and temporal data, enabling real-time analysis of data from sensors and other IoT devices.

The future of databases is likely to bring even more advanced features and capabilities, making it easier to store,
manage, and analyze data at scale.
 Conclusion

In conclusion, databases are a critical tool for storing, managing, and analyzing data. They emerged in response to
the growing need for better ways to store and manage data, as businesses and individuals generated and collected
more and more information.

Databases have evolved significantly over time, from the early days of punch cards and magnetic tape to modern
cloud-based and NoSQL databases. They have become more scalable, flexible, and easy to use, with features such
as indexing, transactions, analytics, and cloud-based deployment.

The evolution of databases has been driven by advancements in technology, such as improvements in storage and
processing power, the development of new programming languages and tools, and the rise of the internet and
cloud computing.

Today, databases have found applications in various industries, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and
more, and are essential tools for businesses and individuals to make sense of their data and derive insights from it.

The past, present, and future features of databases have played and will continue to play a critical role in modern
society.

In the past, databases were focused on the relational model and structured data, with key features such as indexing,
transactions, and backups. These features allowed businesses and individuals to store and manage large volumes of
data more efficiently.

In the present, databases have evolved to incorporate features such as NoSQL databases, cloud-based deployment,
and advanced analytics capabilities. These advancements have made databases more scalable, flexible, and easier
to use, allowing businesses and individuals to extract insights and value from their data more easily.

Looking ahead, the future of databases is likely to bring even more advanced features and capabilities, such as
blockchain-based databases, natural language processing, and quantum databases. These advancements have the
potential to revolutionize the way we store, manage, and analyze data and could lead to new innovations and
opportunities in various industries.

Benefits of doing this Assignment

Doing this assignment which is about the history of databases, their applications, and features provided us several
benefits.

First, it let us to develop a better understanding of the importance of databases in modern society and the role they
play in various industries. Which can help us to appreciate the value of data and the need to manage it efficiently.

Second, writing about databases helped us to develop research skills, as we will need to gather information from a
variety of sources and synthesize it into a coherent and informative essay. This can help us i developing critical
thinking and analytical skills.

Third, writing about databases helped us to develop technical writing skills, as we will need to explain technical
concepts in a clear and concise manner. This help us to communicate complex ideas effectively, an essential skill
in many fields.

Finally, writing about databases helped us to develop an interest in technology and data management, which can
lead to future career opportunities in fields such as data analysis, database administration, and software
development.
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