History of Database
Tags: database
Published: 2023-11-28 14:04:06

## The Evolution of Databases

Humans have been storing information since ancient times. Early on, intricate database systems were crafted by government offices, libraries, hospitals, and business organizations. The foundational concepts and principles employed in constructing these systems have endured the test of time and continue to influence modern database technology.

## 1960s

- **Database Proliferation**: 

    In the mid-1960s, the increasing speed and flexibility of computers catapulted the popularity of general-use database systems.

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- **COBOL Standardization**: 

    To meet the need for standardization, the Database Task Group took charge of designing *Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL)*.

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- **Cost-Effective Computing**: 

    Computerized databases gained traction as computing became a more cost-effective option for private organizations.

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- **First Database Design**: 

    **Charles Bachman** made a significant contribution by designing the first-ever database, known as the **Integrated Data Store**, later adopted by IBM.

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- **Data Models of the Time**: 

    Two prevalent data models emerged: [_CODASYL (Conference on Data Systems Languages)_ ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CODASYL)and the hierarchical model called [_IMS(Information Management System)_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Information_Management_System).

The first generation of databases was _navigational_, where applications accessed data by following pointers from one record to another. The 1960s marked a turning point as databases transitioned from a variety of systems to a more standardized approach, setting the stage for future advancements in database technology.

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## 1970s

- **The Birth of Relational Databases**
  
    **E.F. Codd's** groundbreaking paper, **_"A Relational Model of Data for Large Shared Data Banks,"_** published in the 1970s, introduced the concept of the relational database.

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- **[INgres](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingres_%28database%29) and [System R Prototypes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_System_R)**

    In response to_ Codd's_ ideas, two major relational database system prototypes were developed between 1974 and 1977.

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- **Recognition of [RDBMS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relational_database)**

    The term **"Relational Database Management System"** (RDBMS) gained recognition during this decade, highlighting the shift toward databases based on the relational model.

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- **[Entity-Relationship Model](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entity–relationship_model)**

    In 1976, a new database model called **Entity-Relationship (ER)** was proposed by **P. Chen**. This model encouraged designers to focus on the application of data rather than the logical table structure, providing a more intuitive approach to database design.

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The 1970s laid the foundation for the widespread adoption of relational databases, revolutionizing the way data was organized and queried. The emergence of **INgres**, **System R**, and the **Entity-Relationship model** marked significant milestones in the evolution of database technology.

## 1980s

- **Standardization of SQL**:

    In the 1980s, **[Structured Query Language (SQL)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQL)** emerged as the standardized query language.

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- **Commercial Success of Relational Databases**:

    The 1980s witnessed the commercial success of relational database systems.

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- **[DB2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Db2) as IBM's Flagship**:

    IBM's DB2 emerged as the flagship database product during this period. Its success was pivotal in establishing IBM as a major player in the database industry.

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- **Impact of IBM PC**:

    The introduction of the IBM PC in the 1980s had a profound impact. It led to the establishment of numerous database companies, fostering innovation and competition in the market.

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- **Diversification of Database Products**:

    The 1980s saw a proliferation of database products, including [PARADOX](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradox_%28database%29), [RBASE 5000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R:Base), and others. This diversification reflected the dynamic nature of the evolving database landscape.

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The 1980s marked a period of standardization with SQL, further solidifying the relational database model. The commercial success of databases, particularly with the prominence of IBM's DB2, and the diversification of products contributed to a vibrant and competitive database industry.

## 1990s

- **Decade of Advancement**:

    The 1990s played a pivotal role in advancing databases and database software, shaping the landscape for the digital era.

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- **Client Tools and Productivity**:

    New client tools for application development emerged, including [Oracle Developer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oracle_SQL_Developer), [PowerBuilder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PowerBuilder), VB, and others. Simultaneously, tools for personal productivity such as [ODBC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Database_Connectivity) and [Excel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Excel)/[Access](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Access) were developed, enhancing user capabilities.

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- **Object Database Management Systems**:

    In the early 1990s, prototypes for [Object Database Management Systems (ODBMS)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Object_database) were created, reflecting a shift toward more dynamic and flexible data management.

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- **Rise of Internet Database Connectors**:

    Towards the end of the decade, there was a surge in demand for internet database connectors, including [Front Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_FrontPage), [Active Server Pages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Server_Pages), Java Servlets, [ColdFusion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobe_ColdFusion), [Enterprise Java Beans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakarta_Enterprise_Beans), and [Oracle Developer 2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oracle_SQL_Developer). These tools facilitated the integration of databases with web applications.

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- **Open Source Solutions**:

    The use of open-source solutions gained momentum with the popularity of [MySQL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MySQL) and [Apache](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apache_Derby). This marked a significant shift, bringing cost-effective and accessible database solutions to the internet.

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- **Birth of NoSQL**:

    In 1998, **Carlo Strozi** coined the term "NoSQL" when naming his database, Strozzi NoSQL. The concept gained more attention in 2009 when Johan Oskarsson organized an event to discuss non-relational databases. NoSQL databases, known for their flexibility and suitability for unstructured data, began to gain prominence.

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The 1990s were a transformative period, witnessing the integration of databases into various aspects of technology and laying the groundwork for the diverse and dynamic database landscape of the 21st century.

## 2000s - Present

- **Resilience of Database Applications**:

    Despite a decline in the internet industry in the early 2000s, database applications continued to grow and adapt.

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- **Dominance of Relational Databases**:

    Presently, the three leading database companies in the Western world are [Oracle](https://www.oracle.com/database/), [IBM](https://www.ibm.com/products/db2), and [SAP](https://www.sap.com/products/technology-platform/hana.html), highlighting the enduring importance of databases in the digital landscape.

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- **Giant Relational Databases**:

    Giant relational databases such as Oracle, [MySQL](https://www.mysql.com), and DB2 maintain their prominence in the database market.

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- **Quickbase and Online Database Platforms**:

    [Quickbase](https://www.quickbase.com/lp/solutions/database), an online database platform built on a relational database, exemplifies the contemporary trend of utilizing relational databases to create custom business applications. This platform empowers users with the ability to harness the relational database's

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## References:

"A Brief History of Database Management," Peter James Thomas, February 6, 2018, https://peterjamesthomas.com/2018/02/06/a-brief-history-of-databases/

"What is a Database?," Stackby, https://stackby.com/blog/what-is-a-database/

"Timeline of Database History," Quickbase, https://www.quickbase.com/articles/timeline-of-database-history

"The History of Databases," ThinkAutomation, https://www.thinkautomation.com/histories/the-history-of-databases/

"A Brief History of Database Management," DATAVERSITY, https://www.dataversity.net/brief-history-database-management/

"History of Databases," ResearchGate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/298332910_History_Of_Databases