Glossary

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This glossary explains terms that

  • are specific to the GMOD project, or
  • are computing terms that are used in the GMOD project.

This glossary does not define biology terms.

Database

A database in the strictest sense of the word is an implementation of a database schema in a particular database management system that is populated with data on a particular subject.

For example, the database behind the FlyBase web site contains data on drosopholids, and uses the Chado schema and the PostgreSQL database management system.

See also:

Database Management System

Database management systems (DBMSs) are software systems that can manage data. PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle and Sybase are all examples of DBMSs. DBMSs are containers of databases. That is, they are the systems that manage databases, which is distinct from the data that they manage.

Most DBMSs are relational, which is a particular way of representing data. All DBMSs that GMOD is concerned with are relational, so GMOD uses the termsdatabase management system and relational database management system (RDBMS) interchangeably.

See also:


Database Schema

A database schema is the design of a particular database, independent of its contents. Chado is an example of a database schema. Designs (like Chado) can be reused across multiple databases.

See also:



DBMS

See Database Management System.


RDBMS

See Database Management System.


Relational Database Management System

See Database Management System.