Database Use for Tech+

There are multiple ways to structure a database: - Flat File: Data in plain text or single table (CSV, Excel). All data in one place. Drawbacks: redundant data, inconsistent, doesn't handle complex queries well. Works for small, simple datasets. - Relational Database: Multiple tables with relationships via foreign keys. Reduces redundancy through normalization. Ensures consistency and allows complex queries (joins). - Normalization: Design process eliminating redundant data. Store customer info once in Customers table; Orders table references by ID. More tables, but less repetition.