The main difference between database and data structure is that database is a collection of data that is stored and managed in permanent memory while data structure is a way of storing and arranging data efficiently in temporary memory.
Overall, data is raw and unprocessed facts. We can process data to generate meaningful information. Database and data structure are related to data. A database is an organized collection of data to access and manage data easily. On the other hand, data structure is a way of storing and organizing data in computer memory so that it can be used efficiently.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Database
– Definition, Functionality
2. What is Data Structure
– Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between Database and Data Structure
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Database, DBMS, Data Structure, Linear Data Structure, Nonlinear Data Structure, RDBMS
What is Database
Database refers to a collection of related data. It is easier to store and access data in a database. Usually, database objects are stored in a hard disk. For instance, a university organizes the data in a database into several sections such as admin, staff, students and lecturers. It is easier to insert, delete, update and retrieve data in a database. Likewise, most organizations use databases to store their data.
Database Management System (DBMS) is a software that allows creating and managing databases. It provides the tools and interfaces to perform operations such as inserting, selecting, deleting and updating data easily. Additionally, it also improves data consistency and secures the data.
A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) is a DBMS that is based on the relational model. These databases store data in tables. Each table consists of rows and columns. The rows represent records whereas the columns represent properties. Programmer can use SQL to manage data stored in databases. MySQL, SQL Server and Oracle are some common RDBMSs. Moreover, there is a special type of databases called non-relational databases (NoSQL databases), which can store a large quantity of data.
What is Data Structure
A data structure is a way of organizing the data in the computer memory in an efficient way. They are useful in most computer science fields like operating systems, graphics and artificial intelligence. Using the proper data structure will increase the performance of the software. Moreover, it allows the user to search and access data faster.
Types of Data Structures
The two types of data structures are linear and non-linear data structures.
Linear Data Structure
These data structures arrange data in a linear order. Some of them are as follows.
- Array stores data elements of the same type and it has a fixed size.
- Linked List is a collection of nodes stored at contiguous memory locations. Each node stores data and the address of another node. Moreover, it is a dynamic data structure.
- Stack is a data structure that is similar to a real-world stack. Moreover, it performs operations such as push, pop and peek and works according to the First In First Out (FIFO) mechanism.
- Queue data structure is similar to a real-world queue which works according to the First In Last Out mechanism. Furthermore, it is possible to insert elements from the end (rear) while deleting the elements is done from the front.
Nonlinear Data Structure
These data structures store data in a non-sequential manner. Moreover, they form a hierarchical relationship between the child elements and parent elements.
- Tree is a collection of nodes and edges helps to connect the nodes. It forms a hierarchical relationship between the elements called nodes. Moreover, its topmost node in the hierarchy is the root node while the bottom most nodes are leaf nodes.
- Binary Tree is a tree data structure with a maximum of two child nodes.
- Graph is a pictorial representation of set of elements (vertices). Additionally, edges connect these edges. A graph can contain cycles.
Furthermore, insert, delete, sort, search and traverse are some operations that we can perform on these data structures.
Difference Between Database and Data Structure
Definition
A database is an organized collection of data, generally stored and accessed electronically from a computer system. In contrast, data structure is a data organization, management and storage format that enables efficient access and modification. Thus, this is the main This is another difference between database and data structure.
Types
Relational and non-relational databases are two of the types of databases while linear and non-linear data structures are two of the types of data structures.
Memory
Moreover, databases are stored in permanent memory whereas data structures are stored in temporary memory. Hence, this is another difference between database and data structure.
Usage
Functionally, a database helps to access and manage data easily while a data structure helps to increase the efficiency related to time and space. Thus, this is the functional difference between database and data structure.
Conclusion
Overall, both database and data structures are two ways of organizing data. The main difference between Database and Data Structure is that Database is a collection of data that is stored and managed in permanent memory while Data Structure is a way of storing and arranging data efficiently in temporary memory.
References:
1.“DS Introduction – Javatpoint.” Www.javatpoint.com, Available here.
2.“DBMS Tutorial | Database Management System – Javatpoint.” Www.javatpoint.com, Available here.
3.“What Is Data?” Studytonight, Available here.
4.“Database.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Feb. 2019, Available here.
5.“Data Structure.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 7 May 2019, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1.”database, symbol, icon” By RRZEicons – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2.”Data Structure Diagram” By U.S. Department of Transportation, – Data Integration Glossary (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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