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What is a Database?

A database is an organized collection of data. SQL is the language used to talk to databases — create tables, insert data, and retrieve information.

15 minBy Priygop TeamLast updated: Feb 2026

What is a Database?

A database is an organized collection of structured data stored electronically. Think of it like a very powerful spreadsheet. Databases are used everywhere: websites store user accounts, banks store transactions, hospitals store patient records. SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standard language used to create, read, update, and delete data in a database.

Key Database Concepts

  • Table — Like a spreadsheet with rows and columns
  • Row (Record) — One entry in a table (e.g., one user)
  • Column (Field) — A category of data (e.g., name, age, email)
  • Primary Key — A unique ID for each row (e.g., user_id)
  • SQL — The language used to query and manage databases
  • RDBMS — Relational Database Management System (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite)

A Simple Database Table

Example
-- This is what a database table looks like:
-- Table: students

-- | id | name    | age | city      |
-- |----|---------|-----|-----------|
-- |  1 | Alice   |  20 | Mumbai    |
-- |  2 | Bob     |  22 | Delhi     |
-- |  3 | Charlie |  19 | Bangalore |
-- |  4 | Diana   |  21 | Mumbai    |

-- SQL to get all students:
SELECT * FROM students;

-- SQL to get just names:
SELECT name FROM students;

Try It Yourself: SQL Concepts in Action

Try It Yourself: SQL Concepts in ActionJavaScript
JavaScript Editor
✓ ValidTab = 2 spaces
JavaScript|23 lines|904 chars|✓ Valid syntax
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