TechDogs-"In A Nutshell: Embedded Database Systems"

Data Management

In A Nutshell: Embedded Database Systems

By TechDogs Editorial Team

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Overview

Embedded systems are everywhere! They provide a combination of hardware and software designed for a specific function. From the TV remote control to the microwave, these systems cater to many of our daily interactions with technology. Yet, what do these systems actually do? How are these designed to meet specific needs? 
 
To answer these questions, let's take a closer look at an example of an embedded system: cars. Every vehicle uses embedded systems; from anti-lock brakes to navigation systems. This is where Embedded Database Systems are useful to businesses. They reduce energy consumption compared to traditional computers as they run programs that need just enough computing power to achieve the job. They're small and lightweight, so they don't take up too much room. The best part? Embedded Database Systems can be programmed for specific purposes, so they will follow your orders - no matter what you need them to do!  

Want to know more about these Embedded Database Systems? Well, hop on and learn everything about them!
TechDogs-"In A Nutshell: Embedded Database Systems" Embed Databases Quicker Than Choco Chips In Cookies
Data is like food to businesses: a basic need for survival. The more data we have, the faster it leads to an explosion in data growth. Companies that depend on huge quantities of data typically use Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) to store their information. However, RDBMS needs maintenance and also the structure can be quite rigid in comparison to other database structures. So, it gets problematic for organizations to store their information.

Embedded Database Systems solve this issue for organizations as they are more flexible. These systems are built into the software that is used by the end-user rather than being separate from it. This means that Embedded Database Systems can be tailored to suit individual applications better. Cool, isn't it?

An Embedded Database System may refer to any single-board microcomputer. In this case, it could be a microcontroller or even a microprocessor. It's usually smaller than a desktop computer and has fewer built-in peripherals. From your smartphones, coffee machines, smart cars, medical devices, handheld video games consoles and TVs, almost anything can be considered an embedded system if it's small enough and has some level of processing capability. An Embedded Database System allows these devices to operate and analyze data independently.

Now it's time to decode this concept.
 

What Is An Embedded Database System?

 
An Embedded Database System is a type of database used by the software application in contrast to an external client-server database. This means that applications can't interact with data outside of their system. Embedded Database System is used for applications where it's important to store data locally. For example, if your application is running on a smartphone or an IoT device, you would want to use an Embedded Database System since the storage space is limited.

Embedded databases can also be used to accomplish several tasks but they're best for storing large amounts of data because it doesn't need to be accessed externally. It's also not necessary to hire a developer or IT person for this kind of operation as these systems are easy-to-use and open source!

Well, in the simplest words, Embedded Database System is a computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system. This means that it's not designed to be used by people. For example, the computer systems on airplanes’ navigation equipment are Embedded Database Systems because they're part of something bigger, like an airplane.

Now, let's fly back in time to the evolution of this system!
 

Evolution Of Embedded Database System


Here's the timeline of the evolution of the Embedded Database System
 
  • Embedded systems have existed for many years with their roots likely extending back to the 1980s. Initially, these systems were used in various industries like manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy and medical research.

  • Vendors started using Embedded Database Systems to improve their technology when developers of embedded software were looking for efficient solutions during the 1990s. Later, in the 2000s as computing devices continued to grow more complex, the demand for better-embedded systems increased. This is when Embedded Database Systems evolved from systems designed specifically toward a purpose or task. Yet they were not designed to entirely replace conventional databases.

  • In recent times, it has become evident that Embedded Database Systems are more useful and software developers started recognizing the need for these systems for various purposes. For instance, they are being used to track shipments of goods or to control standalone devices such as vending machines.


After learning about the brief history of the Embedded Database System, let's head on to the next section and check out its process.
 

How Does Embedded Database System Work?

 
Here’s what you need to know about the working of Embedded Database systems:
 
  • An Embedded Database System is a computer system that manages data in a relational database format but resides with the software application rather than being a separate piece of software. These systems are highly efficient because they provide a high degree of security and speed.

  • Embedded Database Systems work by using a library or API (Application Program Interface) to take care of all the complicated tasks such as managing transactions, concurrency, indexing and high availability. All you need to do is focus on embedding your data and queries in the code of your application. It's surprisingly simple to achieve this with just a few lines of code!

  • You can choose between running an embedded database architecture on the device processor such as firmware in IoT devices. The automation and duplication capabilities provide high availability for your application in the event of hardware failures like power disruption or lightning strikes.


Now that you know how these systems work, let’s take a look at the types.
 

The Different Types Of Embedded Database Systems 


Embedded Database Systems are available in multiple variants. Here's all you need to know about its types. Embedded Database Systems generally contain central storage and search functionality with distinct subcategories. The main types are:
 
  • Relational Database System

    which often contains one or more databases. These databases are often used as a backend for web applications. For those of you not in the know, they're a way to store data and retrieve it quickly. More importantly, they let you work with the data in powerful ways. They're important because they're flexible and scalable which can help manage any amount of data without clogging up your system.

  • Document Database System

    which contains a collection of relational tables for storing data. This system is a type of database application that stores documents, files, or other information in its relational tables. This system can be used to retrieve, update, or delete individual items of data but it excels at storing and retrieving large quantities of data. Because this type of storage is so versatile, it can be used for many different industries. For example, you could store medical records that would provide quick access to all your patient information. Or you could also use it to store legal contracts, policies and documents for your business transactions.

  • File System-driven Embedded Database System

    contains a collection of applications that reside in “file cabinets” or files. A file system-driven embedded database is a computer data store, where data is stored in backup files. The information is organized according to the hierarchical structure of the file system, allowing easy categorization of various data types.


Now it's time to learn how Embedded Database System will benefit you!
 

Benefits Of Embedded Database System 


You may have been asking, how does Embedded Database System benefit my business? Here’s the answer:
 
  • Increased Performance

    Embedded Database Systems can be deployed with large amounts of memory and processing power. This makes them well-suited for high-performance applications such as real-time analytics and gaming.

  • Smaller Size

    Embedded Database Systems make it possible to deploy traditional database systems on much smaller devices. This makes larger databases easier to maintain and companies can save money on hardware costs and storage space.

  • Improved Security

    Smaller embedded database solutions offer less surface area for potential vulnerabilities, making them harder for hackers to exploit.

  • Lower Cost

    Traditional enterprise databases are expensive, costing thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars per license. An embedded system will cost far less, allowing companies to spend more on other aspects of their business.


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So that's how Embedded Database Systems are benefitting businesses in the present. Yet will it offer long-term benefits? Let's #sneakpeek into its future and find out!
 

Future Of Embedded Database Systems


The market for Embedded Database Systems is growing with the rapid development of digital and Internet technologies. The reasons for this can be found in the following aspects:

The demand for Embedded Database System technology will increase in line with the exponential growth in data storage and processing demands. Besides this, these systems will emerge as an important tool for supporting the development of Big Data, which has become a major trend in the IT industry. The need to maintain high data management efficiency while providing huge capacity will drive the demand for Embedded Database System hardware.

As intelligent devices will increase significantly, especially when faced with new emerging fields such as unmanned vehicles, IoT and AR/VR applications. As applications are becoming more diversified, Embedded Database Systems will become an inseparable part of other industries outside of the IT industry, such as medical care, finance, public security and so on. This will make it an indispensable part of our lives in the future!
 

Let’s Sum It Up


As the demand for large-scale data storage increases, Embedded Database Systems will likely become the next big thing. It can help companies in many ways, including industrial automation, faster data retrieval and better security. That was all about Embedded Database Systems. We hope that this article helped you to get well-versed with this concept!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is An Embedded Database System?


An Embedded Database System refers to a type of database utilized by software applications, unlike external client-server databases. These systems are crucial for applications requiring local data storage, such as those running on smartphones or IoT devices. They are efficient for storing substantial data volumes without external access, and their user-friendly nature eliminates the need for specialized IT personnel.

How Does Embedded Database System Work?


Embedded Database Systems operate as part of software applications, managing data in a relational database format within the application itself. Utilizing libraries or APIs, these systems handle tasks like transaction management and indexing, simplifying data embedding into application code. They offer high security and speed, and can be implemented on device processors, ensuring application availability even during hardware failures.

What Are the Types of Embedded Database Systems?


Embedded Database Systems come in various forms, including Relational Database Systems, Document Database Systems, and File System-driven Embedded Database Systems. Each type offers distinct functionalities tailored to specific data storage and retrieval requirements, ranging from relational data management to hierarchical file organization. Understanding these types enables businesses to select the most suitable system for their needs.

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