Database Architecture

The database architecture decides the way memory and disk space is utilised by the database, and can also affect how applications interact with it

Centralised Database

• Contains a small number of cores, executing over a shared memory
• A database running on a personal computer is a good example of this

Server-Style Database

• The database is located on a server. It performs work on the behalf of several client machines

Parallel Database

• Involves a large number of cores working over a shared memory
• Disk space is also shared between the cores

Distributed Database

• Involves multiple machines, which may be running at different geographic locations
• There will inevitably be heterogeneity in the schema and data. The database needs to compensate for this