# Evolution of Data Storage for Your Database Assignment
Database management systems (DBMS) have come a long way! In the past, they were like trees, where data could only be stored in a specific order. Today, they're much more flexible and powerful. Things have indeed advanced since then!
In this article, you can look at how storing information has evolved from the old ways to the new cloud-based methods you can see today. Further, understanding the journey can help with your database assignments. If you need [database assignment help](https://www.assignmentdesk.co.uk/database-assignment-help), you can get it from experts online! You'll grasp more cutting-edge techniques.
# Evolution of Data Storage: From Early Ages to Modern Innovations
Now, let's gain an even deeper understanding of databases. So, let us check out how data storage has developed - it's pretty interesting to see!
# <h3>Early Days of Data Storage
The first database systems were simple and limited in flexibility. They laid the foundation for modern databases, but they had many challenges!
1960s: Hierarchical Databases
The early data systems were like family trees, with each piece of data connected to other pieces. Hence, this type was called a "hierarchical" database. Here, each bit of information (called a "record") could only have one record above it.
IBM's Integrated Data Store (IDS) is a famous example. These systems worked well for simple lists, but they struggled when data got more complicated. As more information was stored, the tree structure became confusing. So, while these early systems were okay for small amounts of data, they needed to be improved as technology and the amount of data grew.
# <h3>The Relational Database Revolution
Relational databases introduced a more flexible and scalable way of managing data.
1970s: Relational Databases
The 1970s were essential as relational databases kept data in an inflexible tree shape. Relational databases store information in tables with rows side-by-side and columns up and down, allowing data to connect in more ways.
SQL, which stands for "Structured Query Language," was also invented during this time. It became the main way to search and manage data stored in these new kinds of databases. Major companies, including Oracle, developed many popular databases. As a result, businesses now had databases that could stretch and shrink.
Further, they could keep information in a better-organized way to help run their companies. In essence, relational databases changed how businesses saved information. It marked an important shift from rigid tree storage to more flexible table storage, as you can see today.
# <h3>The Rise of SQL and Object-Oriented Databases
In the 1970s, two big things happened with databases. First, SQL became the primary way to talk to databases. Also, a new kind of database came out that worked well with complex computer programs.
Late 1970s: SQL and Standardization
In the late 1970s, SQL became very popular. It became the main language used with new relational databases. SQL was easy to use and also good for finding data, so many jobs started using it. SQL databases like MySQL and Postgres are still crucial for school projects and jobs. Thus, SQL helped create newer databases.
1990s: Object-Oriented Databases
In the 1990s, a new database appeared: object databases. These databases combine databases with object-oriented programming (OOP), a way to write computer programs. Developers could save data as "objects," and object databases worked well for complicated apps. Most people still use relational databases, which are mostly for special situations. As a result, relational databases remained the most popular choice.
# <h3>The Internet Era and the Advent of NoSQL
The growth of the Internet has brought new challenges for databases. Handling massive amounts of unstructured data became essential, leading to the rise of NoSQL databases.
2000s: The Growth of NoSQL
In the 2000s, the internet became big, making regular databases struggle. Websites and apps created lots of messy data. Therefore, to fix this, people created a new type of database called NoSQL.
NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Cassandra are more flexible. They store data in different ways, like documents or graphs. These databases can easily handle huge amounts of information, making them great for internet systems sharing data worldwide.
# <h3>NewSQL and Cloud Databases
Technology has made it possible for new kinds of databases to blend the best of traditional and NoSQL databases. Cloud databases also changed how people store and use data.
2010s: NewSQL
A new database called NewSQL was introduced. NewSQL, like Google Spanner, combines the best parts of relational and NoSQL databases. It aimed to give NoSQL flexibility and stability with regular relational databases. For students looking for [assignment help online](https://www.assignmentdesk.co.uk/), understanding these modern innovations can be particularly useful!
The Cloud Era
Cloud computing has changed how you can store and manage data. Companies can now use cloud databases like Amazon RDS and Microsoft Azure. These services make it easy to handle more data without buying new equipment. They also keep data safe and let people access it from anywhere. Today, cloud services help manage the growing amount of data from devices worldwide.
# <h2> The Future of Data Storage
Databases are changing for the future as multi-model databases let you use tables, key-value pairs, and graphs all together. Also, this is easier than separate databases. ArangoDB and OrientDB can do this now as they allow different ways to store and get data.
As more devices connect to the Internet, time series databases are now popular. They save data that changes over time. InfluxDB keeps sensor readings and stock prices to see changes. Further, edge databases may help soon. They start processing data near the devices. Hence, this helps apps that need quick information from things like sensors. Overall, databases are changing to help with new device data.
# <h2> Conclusion
At first, databases just sorted data into groups. Now, you can use cloud computing to keep vast amounts of information online. Database programs keep improving to handle more and more information. Therefore, knowing this history helps students understand why you use today's database tools. To understand this evolution, students can get database assignment help as well.
Learning this history is helpful in two ways for students with assignments about databases. First, it helps with the assignments where you must learn about past and present database systems. And it also prepares you for real jobs dealing with data!