Describe types of databases

Databases play a crucial role in storing, managing, and retrieving data efficiently. In the realm of Microsoft Azure, there are several types of databases available that cater to different needs and scenarios. In this article, we will explore various types of databases related to the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals exam.

Azure Cosmos DB

Azure Cosmos DB is a globally distributed, multi-model database service provided by Microsoft Azure. It offers support for various data models, including key-value, document, column-family, graph, and time-series data. It provides guaranteed low latency, automatic scaling, and high availability across different geographical regions. With comprehensive SLA guarantees, Azure Cosmos DB is an ideal choice for applications requiring global reach and low-latency access.

Example of creating a new Azure Cosmos DB account using Azure CLI:

az cosmosdb create --name --resource-group --locations --kind GlobalDocumentDB


Azure SQL Database

Azure SQL Database is a fully managed relational database service based on Microsoft SQL Server. It provides high-performance, scalable, and secure storage for your relational data. Azure SQL Database offers features such as automated backups, automatic tuning, threat detection, and built-in intelligence for optimizing performance. It also supports various deployment options, including single database, elastic pool, and managed instance.

Example of creating a new Azure SQL Database using Azure Portal:

1. Navigate to the Azure Portal.
2. Select "Create a resource" and search for "Azure SQL Database".
3. Fill in the required details such as server name, database name, resource group, and compute tier.
4. Configure additional settings such as firewall rules, storage, and security options.
5. Click "Create" to provision the Azure SQL Database.

Azure Database for MySQL and Azure Database for PostgreSQL

Azure Database for MySQL and Azure Database for PostgreSQL are fully managed database services that offer compatibility with MySQL and PostgreSQL database engines, respectively. These services provide automatic backups, high availability, automated security patching, and built-in monitoring capabilities. With Azure Database for MySQL and Azure Database for PostgreSQL, you can easily migrate your existing open-source database workloads to the Azure cloud.

Example of creating a new Azure Database for MySQL using Azure CLI:

az mysql server create --resource-group --name --location --admin-user --admin-password --sku-name


Azure Synapse Analytics

Azure Synapse Analytics is an integrated analytics service that brings together big data and data warehousing. It offers capabilities for ingesting, preparing, managing, and serving data for immediate business intelligence and machine learning needs. Azure Synapse Analytics combines enterprise data warehousing, data integration, and big data analytics into a single unified service. It provides features like data lakes, data pipelines, data exploration, and workspace collaboration.

Example of creating a new Azure Synapse Analytics workspace using Azure Portal:

1. Navigate to the Azure Portal.
2. Select "Create a resource" and search for "Azure Synapse Analytics (formerly SQL Data Warehouse)".
3. Fill in the required details such as workspace name, subscription, resource group, and region.
4. Configure additional settings such as storage account and virtual network.
5. Click "Create" to provision the Azure Synapse Analytics workspace.

Azure Data Lake Storage

Azure Data Lake Storage is a scalable and secure data lake store for big data analytics workloads. It provides unlimited storage capacity and is optimized for big data processing frameworks like Azure Databricks, Azure HDInsight, and Apache Spark. Azure Data Lake Storage supports various data ingestion mechanisms and integrates seamlessly with other Azure services to build end-to-end analytics solutions.

Example of creating a new Azure Data Lake Storage account using Azure CLI:

az storage account create --name --resource-group --location --sku Standard_LRS --kind StorageV2 --hierarchical-namespace true


These are just a few types of databases available in the Azure ecosystem. Each database type serves specific use cases and offers unique features and benefits. Understanding these database types will be beneficial for the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals exam and will help you choose the right database solution for your application. Remember to refer to Microsoft’s official documentation for a more detailed understanding of each database type and its usage.