Why Databases Matter: Real-World Applications and Use Cases

Why Do Databases Matter?

Databases are the foundation of most modern technology. Without them, apps, websites, and services would fail to deliver personalized and seamless experiences. They help store, manage, and process data in real-time, powering everything from social networks to financial systems.

Key Use Cases of Databases

• E-commerce

  • What Happens?: When you place an order, the system stores your purchase details, updates inventory, and logs your payment.
  • Database Tasks:
    • Store product catalogs.
    • Track orders and shipping.
    • Manage user accounts.

• Example Query:
  
  Retrieve all products under €50:
  
  

SELECT * FROM products WHERE price < 50;

• Social Media

  • What Happens?: Every post, comment, or like is saved in a database, linked to your profile.
  • Database Tasks:
    • Store user profiles and connections.
    • Log posts, comments, and likes.
    • Recommend friends or content. Challenge: How do you think Instagram suggests new accounts for you to follow?

• Banking and Finance

  • What Happens?: Each transaction updates the bank’s database, ensuring balances and histories are accurate.
  • Database Tasks:
    • Securely store user credentials.
    • Record transaction histories.
    • Monitor fraud in real-time.

• Example Query:
  
  Find all transactions above €10,000:
  
  

SELECT * FROM transactions WHERE amount > 10000;

How Databases Power Big Data
Modern databases handle massive amounts of data generated by the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and more. For example:

• Netflix: Uses databases to track viewing habits and recommend shows.

• Tesla: Monitors vehicle performance and traffic data to improve self-driving technology.

Think About It

• Challenge: If you were designing a database for a small business (like a coffee shop), what data would you need to store?

• Question: Why do you think some companies choose cloud databases instead of on-premises solutions?