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What Are Databases? 3 Most Popular Databases That Suit You

What Are Databases? 3 Most Popular Databases That Suit You
Hostman Team
Technical writer
Infrastructure

Have a website or a webapp with a lot of user data? Want to create a database to store it? We’ll tell you what a database in web hosting is, what sql database is and how to create a database for your site or app.

A database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system. Databases (DBs) are extensively used by developers and webmasters across industries and projects.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to use databases effectively in your projects, including important best practices for maintaining them.

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What is a database?

In techie-speak, “A database is a sum total of data that is organized in accordance with formal design and modeling techniques.”

But nobody speaks like that (except engineers), so let’s break it down into something we humans can digest.

There are two ways to understand what databases are and how they work:

  • In “human” terms:
    Imagine a massive pile of documents and files stored inside a library. You’ve got a librarian who knows exactly where every scrap of paper is, and can fetch it for you in a jiffy. The “library” is a database. The “librarian” is the programming language that manages the whole thing.

  • In “technical” terms:
    Let’s say you have an app or a website. All of its data (logins, passwords, digital shopping carts, lists of liked and bookmarked posts, documents created by users, etc) is saved and organized inside your database. Using a special programming language (more on that later) to communicate with your database, you can analyze and process the data as required.

IMPORTANT NOTE: As you learn about databases, you’ll also come across the acronym DBMS (database management system). The DBMS is the program that is used to interact with the items in your database. The DB and the DBMS are not the same thing.

What is database hosting and why should you use one?

Hosting is a remote computer (called a “server”) where website and application files (including the database) are stored.

If you were to store your app or website on your own computer, users would only be able to access it while your computer is turned on and connected to the internet. Moreover, it would be vulnerable to attack from external sources.

Hosting your app or website on a remote server, makes it possible to have it accessible at all times. The hosting server also provides a safer environment as well as a better performance due to its dedicated setup.

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If you’re running a service that handles a lot of media (like Apple Music or Hulu), or an application with a large amount of information that needs to be synchronized between two or more devices (like Evernote), you will need to rent a web hosted database. But it’s perfectly acceptable to use databases on any type of website if it serves the right purpose for webmasters and helps to manage resources efficiently.

Do you need a database for a website or app?

A web hosted database is useful regardless of whether you’re running a website or a mobile application. If you’re working with user data and you want to store it, it is sensible to adopt a database, because it makes it more practical to manage, structure, control, analyze and process files.

In some cases where you’re running simple applications such as a basic to-do manager with local storage, or a modest website, saving files on a server harddrive might be enough. But as soon as the project begins to expand, you’ll find yourself outgrowing this solution very quickly.

What is an SQL database and how does it work?

SQL (sometimes pronounced “sequel”) stands for "Structured Query Language" — a programming language of "structured queries" that is used to efficiently save, search, update and extract database elements.

Let's use a simple database as an example — a list of movies available in the cinema.

In this case, our database will be a large table containing elements such as movie genre, actors, directors, and so on. The data will be presented in an array of columns and rows.

Let’s say one of the rows contains all the details about a certain movie. If you wanted to find a comedy with Brad Pitt, you would use a special SQL command (query) to filter out rows with the required data.

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The same goes for any other type of table. You can use an SQL database to filter out goods that are on sale, or place user-made notes in specific directories, etc. That's what an SQL database is for.

What are the most popular SQL databases?

There are many types of SQL databases. Some popular ones include MySQL, Microsoft Access, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL. But there are hundreds to choose from.

In this section, we’ll be reviewing three of the best SQL DBs, based on their popularity among users.

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What is MS SQL database?

MS SQL (also called “MS SQL Server Database”) is a relational database — a type of database that stores and provides access to data points that are related to one another.

The MS abbreviation in the name stands for “Microsoft”, because MS SQL was developed by the creators of the Windows operating system.

MS SQL Server Database combines the Microsoft Access proprietary database backend platform, and an application with a graphical user interface. This makes it possible to manipulate any type of information stored inside the rows and tables of the database.

Is MS SQL Database a good fit for you?

Microsoft Access Database is often touted as the best DB-engine for developers who favor the Microsoft ecosystem. It is a well-adapted product for Windows servers that integrates almost flawlessly with other Microsoft applications.

It is a commercial product, but the free Developer’s Edition offers many useful features. Microsoft Access backup and recovery processes are super smooth, so any webmaster or system engineer can use it.

It also boasts amazing on-demand support and an extended range of enterprise features.

What is MySQL Database?

MySQL is one of the most popular DB-engines, because it is open-source and free. The necessity of building a website with a crowded user base has led developers and webmasters to adapt DB-engines much more frequently.

In a span of just a few years, storing data in separate tables has become an industry standard. Everyone needs a database now, and MySQL is an excellent candidate because it is feature-rich, free, and doesn’t make webmasters deal with unnecessary enterprise bureaucracy.

More importantly, creating MySQL databases is a breeze compared to some of the cumbersome processes of some of its competitors. Additionally, most web hosting platforms support MySQL databases right out of the box.

Is MySQL Database a good fit for you?

MySQL has two main advantages:

  • Simplicity. Even non-professionals can swiftly get into the basics of this DB engine and create their first database. Moreover, the Internet is overflowing with information and tutorials for MySQL.

  • No cost. As opposed to Oracle and Microsoft Access, MySQL is free to use. You can use it to service your tiny, non-profit projects with a fully-functional DB-engine.

That said, MySQL has its downsides.

  • It has certain limitations when compared to Microsoft Access or Oracle, especially when working with unstructured data.

  • It has a hard time processing complex business logic efficiently.

  • It is less reliable, and its performance suffers in high-concurrency processes.

What is Oracle database?

Oracle is the most popular relational database on the market. It is the first-ever DB-engine created for an enterprise setup. Additionally, Oracle was the first company to release the commercial version of Structured Query Language.

The Oracle product stands out due to its unique features, such as the ability to scale the amount of data in the DB effortlessly, automate routine, and a robust security system built into the database by default.

Is Oracle Database a good fit for you?

Oracle Database is a great product for those who value top notch performance, scalability, and endless possibilities when working with databases. Of course, such power, reliability and flexibility come with a price tag to match.

It is possible for a developer to set up an Oracle DB-engine on any existing software platform, and integrate it with a compatible cloud system. But the cost might be much higher than expected. Many features require additional licenses at an extra fee. This tends to discourage most independent developers from choosing Oracle as their solution. Additionally, it is harder to find web hosting that supports Oracle database installation and setup by default. In most cases, you will have to hire a professional to configure it, which would incur an extra expense.

How to create a database

Most hosting services will include access to an existing database that is automatically created upon renting the server. All that is required is to link the database and fill tables with the required information. It’s usually a good idea to find a web hosting service that offers a pre-installed database.

However, there are situations when you’ll want to create and set up the database yourself. Here’s how you can do that:

  • Choose the scripting language that will be used to operate the DB-engine (PHP, .NET, NodeJS, Python, etc.).

  • Gain SSH access to the server’s filesystem (where your app’s or site’s files are stored).

  • Configure your database using specific commands and queries unique to your chosen DB-engine. For example, in MySQL the command would look like this:

CREATE DATABASE name of database

Configuration settings, available parameters, and actions you must take in order to launch your DB depend on which technologies you choose.

How to host your database

This is a straightforward procedure. If you’ve ever hosted a website, you already know that it involves uploading the required files to the server hard drive. You can use the FTP protocol to do so.

The same goes for databases. Locate all of the necessary files and upload them to the server.

How to connect a database to web hosting (your app or website)

Once you’ve completed all of the necessary preparations, you can go one of two ways. Either set up everything manually, or entrust the task to a hosting provider such as Hostman, which gives new customers a free 7-day trial period to try all the functions, including the deploying and testing of databases.

If you want to connect a website to an existing database yourself, you should use the connect query for the Structured Query Language of your choice. In the case of MySQL, it would look something like this:

$connect = mysql_connect(localhost, username, password)

Configuration settings, available parameters, and actions you must take in order to launch your DB depend on your chosen technologies.

Most people avoid getting into manual setup, as it is a rather complicated and cumbersome task.

The more practical route is to leave the task to a dedicated hosting provider that can offer you a hassle-free and professional setup, adhering to industry best practices.

For instance, Hostman allows you to connect popular DB-engines to your website or with just a few clicks. All you need to do is choose your DB-engine, select your hardware configuration, and click the "Deploy" button.

That’s all there is to it.

To conclude

At this point, you should have a basic understanding of what databases are and what they do, and the basic principles of a DB-engine’s functionality.

This is enough knowledge to get you started. But you should know that there’s a lot more to learn. Mastering databases is not for the faint of heart. It requires years of practice, trial and error, digesting a lot of documentation just to stay up to date with the latest technology.

Your choice of database depends on your skills, preferences and requirements. Here’s a “cheat sheet” to help you out when making your decision.

  • MySQL is a great DB-engine for those who want to launch an app or website as quickly as possible, without getting involved in complex processes, and without worrying about how databases work.

  • PostgreSQL is a product for webmasters who like MySQL but want to get a better-performing and more stable solution.

  • Oracle is an enterprise solution for massive businesses. It offers tons of features for specialists who want granular control of their DB-engine configurations.

  • MongoDB is a nice alternative for developers with experience in working with NoSQL databases. It is based on JSON-formatted files and is powerful enough to process large DBs.

  • Microsoft SQL Server is the solution of choice for MSFT fans who feel at home working within the Microsoft environment.

There are many DB-engines out there. The great news is that you can test many of them without having to host them manually.

How?

Just sign up for Hostman and choose the database you want to try out. There’s a whole selection of DBs ready to deploy as soon as you register.

Hostman is stable, practical, and free of charge for the first week of use. It’s the perfect platform for you to find the perfect database for your website or app.

Sign up today.

 
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NVMe vs SSD Storage

Fast data retrieval is a need for the 21st century. The data transmission rate can greatly impact application response time, especially when it involves gaming, video editing, website hosting, AI, and machine learning.  SDDs evolved to overcome the shortcomings of hard drives. SSDs, in contrast to HDDs, utilize flash memory, which translates to performance. However, because of the SATA connection, standard SDDs failed to deliver high-performance storage solutions. That’s where PCIe and NVMe came in. This guide provides insights on NVMe vs SSDs. Is SATA a suitable option? Is NVMe good for server and hosting needs? What are the different variants?  SSD Variants There are several variants of solid-state storage, each with its unique characteristics and use cases. Solid-state drives come in different forms utilizing different hardware interfaces ie. 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Such speed enhancements make it suitable for data centers and enterprise storage. PCIe: PCIe establishes a fast connection directly to the CPU and underlying storage device, bypassing traditional interfaces. This direct connection makes high throughput possible. NVMe, utilizing PCIe, delivers ultrafast data transfer and improves application response time. NVMe can offer up to 2 GB/s or 4GB/s per lane. For instance, a 4-lane interface can reduce the transfer time almost by 4 times.  NVMe vs SSD Standard SSDs are designed to interface through SATA, whereas NVMe SSDs leverage PCIe ports for enhanced performance. PCIe transmits data through lanes, with each lane capable of transmitting data in both directions simultaneously (full-duplex).  Performance An NVMe SSD can be 20 times faster than a normal SSD. The ‘e’ in Non-Volatile Memory Express refers to a PCIe bus.  Gen 4.0 NVMe SSD can deliver up to 7500 MB/s while Gen 5.0 NVMe SSD can double that speed reaching 14500 MB/s. Contrary to this, a SATA SSD can deliver up to 500 MB/s. Despite the significant data transmission rate gap, it barely affects personal computing. However, in cloud and hosting solutions, it matters. When a server handles 1k simultaneous requests, high-speed SSDs shine with their I/O efficiency, boosting performance and ensuring smooth service even during peak demand. Power NVMe SSDs can consume more power than SATA SSDs, typically around 4-8 watts under load and 1-3 watts under idle conditions, due to the power-intensive PCIe interface.  Cost Despite the slightly higher price of NVMe-enabled SSDs, this reflects their superior performance capabilities compared to SATA III SSDs. NVME Advantages over a Normal SSD Parallel Data Transfer: NVMe leverages multiple lanes to transfer the data, unlike serial communication protocol, where only one bit of data can be transferred at a time. This in turn, improves data bandwidth and throughput. 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It is built with enterprise-grade components and features that enable it to withstand heavy workloads and maintain its performance levels even under high-stress conditions. The drive may include features such as power loss protection, which helps ensure that data is not lost or corrupted in the event of a sudden power outage. Here, at Hostman, we provide 99.98% uptime. User Experience SEO involves not only rankings but also user experience. Hosting on NVMe-enabled servers can speed up website load times, keeping visitors engaged and potentially reducing bounce rates. For e-commerce stores, this could lead to improved conversion rates. Conclusion If you're running a smaller website with minimal traffic or non-resource-heavy content, you might not need to migrate just yet.  For SEO, speed is a critical factor. Google considers page load time and Core Web Vitals as ranking factors, meaning faster websites are more likely to rank higher.  If you're seeing slow page loads, frequent throttling, or lag during peak traffic times with traditional SSD hosting, NVMe hosting might be just the upgrade you need to avoid losing users and boost your rankings. Similarly, if you run a high-traffic website, such as an e-commerce store, media platform, or blog with rich multimedia content, the performance boost from NVMe storage can be a game-changer.  Upgrading to NVMe web hosting can improve the website’s performance. With Non-Volatile Memory Express hosting, you get top-tier speed, reliability, and efficiency, far exceeding traditional SSD hosting. However, NVMe's power isn’t always necessary for every type of website.
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10 Best Python IDEs and Code Editors 2024

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Choosing the right Python IDE (Integrated Development Environment) or code editor is important and will have a big influence on how you build applications. Here are key factors to consider when making your choice: Usability Consider on the general usability and user interface. Especially for beginners, a straightforward and user-friendly integrated development environment (IDE) or code editor can increase productivity. Features and Integrated Tools Explore the functions that the code editor or IDE has to offer. Syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging tools, version control integration, and support for virtual environments are examples of standard characteristics. Project management features, testing frameworks, and build systems are examples of integrated tools. The IDE's built-in tools can help you optimize your productivity. Flexibility  Think about if plugins or extensions are supported by the code editor or IDE. With flexibility, you can easily incorporate third-party products and alter your environment to suit your unique requirements. Compatibility Select an IDE or code editor that is cross-platform compatible. This ensures a consistent experience if you are working on different operating systems.  Language and Community Support Make sure the tool has top-notch Python support. It may seem apparent, but selecting a tool that is tailored to Python development requirements is essential Consider the community's strength and the developers' level of support. A thriving community guarantees easy access to extensions, tutorials, and help, and continuous support keeps the tool updated. Performance Assess the IDE's or code editor's performance, paying particular attention to how well it handles the quantity and complexity of your projects. Verify that the tool functions properly on your workstation. Cost Think about how much the IDE will cost. Some can only be used with a license, but others are free and open source. Determine whether the features, given your needs and budget, outweigh any related costs. Version update and maintenance To ensure compatibility with the most recent Python versions, introduce new features, and repair issues, regular upgrades and maintenance by the developers are necessary. Customization Being able to customize the setting to what you prefer can have an important effect on how comfortable and productive you are when developing. 10 Best Python IDEs and Code Editors in 2024 Here are the popular Python IDEs and code editors:  PyCharm Spyder Eclipse PyDev IDLE Wing Here are the best Python Code Editor:  Emacs Visual Studio Code Sublime Text Atom VIM PyCharm PyCharm is widely regarded as the finest IDE for Python developers, with the majority of professional developers using it in various industries. It is a cross-platform IDE created by the Czech company JetBrains. One really useful aspect is that it provides daily advice to help you become more knowledgeable about how to use it more effectively. There are two versions available: the professional version requires payment, while the community version is available for free. Here are a few other features of this IDE. PROS: Code completion, syntax highlighting, debugging tools, testing support, and integration with well-known web frameworks Intelligent code assistance Built-in testing tools Powerful debugger CONS:  Learning curve. PyCharm might have a steeper learning curve compared to simple editors.  Cost for professional version  Start-up time might be longer than a lighter weight editor.  Spyder Another excellent Python-based cross-platform and open-source IDE is called Spyder. It is the lightest Python IDE and goes by the name Scientific Python Development IDE. Data scientists who are proficient in integrating Matplotlib, SciPy, NumPy, Pandas, Cython, IPython, SymPy, and other open-source software are the primary users of it. It has some nice advanced features including edit, debug, and data exploration, and it comes with the Anaconda package manager distribution. Here are a few other features of this IDE. PROS:  Designed for Scientific Computing. Interactive Console. Integrated Variable Explore. Matplotlib Integration. NumPy and SciPy Integration. CONS: Heavy Resource Usage. Not as Lightweight as Simple Editors. Limited General-Purpose IDE Features. Eclipse PyDev Combining the Eclipse IDE platform with the PyDev plugin, Eclipse with PyDev is an integrated development environment (IDE) for Python development. First popularized in the Java programming community, the Eclipse IDE is an open-source, extremely extendable IDE. On the other side, Aptana Inc. created PyDev, an Eclipse plugin for the Python IDE. PROS: It is compatible with a number of programming languages, and PyDev easily interacts with it to offer Python development features. It supports Django, a popular Python web framework. Integrated debugger. CONS:  Some users might find the learning curve more challenging, particularly those who are unfamiliar with the Eclipse IDE or who would rather use lighter, more straightforward editors. It can be resource-intensive, particularly for larger projects. Challenges with Customizing Interfaces. IDLE IDLE is a specialized software or platform for creating Python apps. It is a feature-rich editor for writing, editing, and running Python programs. It can also be used to run single statements, much like the Python Shell. IDLE for Python would be quite beneficial, particularly for novices.  Notable features include call hints, code context, auto-indentation, basic syntax highlighting, and auto-completion of the code. There is a debugging tool included as well. One of IDLE's fundamental functions is Stack Viewer, which aids in tracking down the fault or exception that was encountered. Customizing fonts, keys, extensions, highlights, and other elements is also possible. IDLE is freely available and open-sourced. PROS: Lightweight and simple. Bundled with Python. Provides basic features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, and an interactive Python shell. CONS:  Limited features for advanced development. Limited customization options. Lacks advanced project management features. Wing An integrated development environment (IDE) made especially for Python is called Wing. It is produced by Wingware and is renowned for its emphasis on giving Python developers access to an effective toolkit. PROS: Well-known for its powerful interactive debugger. Provides strong code intelligence capabilities, such as syntax highlighting, code navigation, and intelligent auto-completion. Allows for customizations and expansion via scripting. CONS: It is a commercial product that needs a license to use its full-featured Professional edition. Users may experience slower performance and increased memory usage for large projects or less powerful machines. Emacs Emacs was founded by Richard Stallman in 1976. The software is completely customizable, free, and compatible with all systems. For customization, Emacs leverages a version of the robust Lisp programming language; for Python development, a variety of customization scripts are available. PROS: It comes with an integrated package system (package.el) that makes it simple for users to add and manage packages, increasing the editor's capabilities. It has several powerful text editing tools, such as numerous built-in commands, comprehensive keyboard shortcuts, and sophisticated search and replace. It allows users to customize virtually every aspect of the editor by writing scripts in Emacs Lisp. CONS: It has steep learning curve It can be resource intensive when working with large files or complex tasks. Its unconventional interface deviates from the norms of contemporary apps by largely depending on keyboard shortcuts. Visual Studio Code A highly customizable, lightweight code editor developed by Microsoft, with a vast selection of extensions and excellent Python support. PROS: It provides a large marketplace of extensions and supports a broad variety of programming languages right out of the box. It has strong code editing tools like code navigation, syntax highlighting, and IntelliSense (code completion). Integrated Git Version Control. CONS: Customization complexity It can consume a large amount of system resources when working with large projects or multiple extensions. Users with less powerful computers can run into performance problems. Sublime Text A complex and well-liked text editor for prose, markup, and code editing is called Sublime Text. It is renowned for its quickness, ease of use, and wide range of customization possibilities. Will Bond and Jon Skinner created Sublime Text. PROS: Known for its speed and performance. It supports a wide range of plugins and extensions. It introduces the concept of multiple selection, that allows users to make changes in various sections of a document simultaneously.  CONS: It is not free. It has less frequent updates. It has limited integrated tools. Atom GitHub created the open-source text editor Atom. It is renowned for having an up-to-date interface and being extensible and flexible. Since Atom is meant to be a hackable text editor, users can add new features and personalize the program with a variety of packages and themes. PROS: Open source and free. Modern and user-friendly interface. Highly extensible and customizable.  CONS:  Slower start up time. Less mature ecosystem and packages and themes.  Limited built-in features. VIM Vim is a cross-platform, open-source text editor. On macOS and UNIX computers, it comes pre-installed; however, you must download it for Windows. This text editor functions both as a stand-alone program and as a command-line interface. PROS: It allows for quick navigation, editing, and manipulation of text using keyboard shortcuts. It is highly customizable and extensible. It is easily accessible on a variety of servers and development environments because it comes pre-installed on many Unix-like systems. CONS:  It is not beginner-friendly. Limited out-of-the-box features. Steep learning curve. In a nutshell, IDE offers a full suite of tools for coding, testing, and debugging, whereas a code editor is solely designed for editing code and is typically more lightweight and adaptable. Depending on personal preferences, project objectives, and the difficulty of the development activities, one can choose between an IDE and a code editor.
02 February 2024 · 9 min to read

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