Spreadsheets store data in rows and columns. Databases also store data in rows and columns. So what’s the difference?
The Key Differences
- Structure: Databases enforce rules. A date field only accepts dates. A required field can’t be left blank.
- Relationships: Databases link related data. An employee connects to their department, qualifications, and training records.
- Multi-user: Databases handle multiple users editing simultaneously without conflicts.
- Scale: Databases handle millions of records without slowing down. Spreadsheets struggle past a few thousand rows.
When to Switch
If more than one person edits the data, if the data has relationships, or if you need an audit trail of changes — you need a database. A custom web app puts a friendly interface on top of a database so your team doesn’t need to know the difference.
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