Database models and database management software will be dealt with in the next section. Database according to function Understanding databases according to function is perhaps the easiest way to get acquainted with the types of databases in use. According to the functional view, databases can be categorized into two groups. The first group is small databases and the second group is large databases. Let's see what each of these groups of databases are and how they are used.
Small databases are database small enough to be used on personal computers.
More recently, small databases can also be found in all types of hand-held devices like palmtop computers, personal digital assistants and even cell phones. Small databases are usually used by a single user or at most, a small group of users. This type of database is usually found on single, less powerful machine, although it is possible to network computers running small databases. Small databases are used to perform specific tasks such as keeping track of customers or managing data for projects and appointments. Generally, data in small databases is entered by the user, as these databases are less able to handle large and continuous inflow of data from other sources.