Most of these packages are designed to work with a specific type of database, but generally are compatible with a wide range of databases.įor example, Apache Base (see screen shot) can be used to create, modify, and analyze databases in open-database (ODB) format.

But what about applications to create or manage a database? What software can you use to create a database, change a database’s structure, or simply do analysis? That is the purpose of a category of software applications called database management systems (DBMS).ĭBMS packages generally provide an interface to view and change the design of the database, create queries, and develop reports. Many software applications have this ability: iTunes can read its database to give you a listing of its songs (and play the songs) your mobile-phone software can interact with your list of contacts. In order for the data in the database to be read, changed, added, or removed, a software program must access it.

To the computer, a database looks like one or more files. Screen shot of the Open Office database management system

Apache open office database