Database applications are the backbone of any modern business. They are practically everywhere: when you book a hotel room online, order a jacket from your favourite e-shop, or simply engage with others on social media.
A database app handles data stored in databases in various ways, and this blog walks you through the different phases of database design.
What Is a Database App?
We’ll start with the definitions. In simple terms, a database app is a software program that connects and interacts with a database to handle data. This handling may involve everything from data input and retrieval to management in various ways, and display in multiple formats as well.
Think of it as the user-friendly multitasking liaison between users and the raw data — a commonly used tool for CRMs, inventory systems, HR platforms, and more.
In other words, without a database application, you can still interact with the data stored in your database, but it may take you ages to reach the result you aim for and you will end up lost in all the figures.
A database app makes things easier and quicker while enabling the management of complex information.
What Different Types of Databases Exist?
There isn’t only one type of database. Different types of databases suit different business needs.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Relational Databases (SQL)
Think of MySQL. Relational databases store data in structured tables with rows and columns and use SQL for querying. Typically, you’ll find them in banking and e-commerce fields.
- NoSQL Databases
This type is more suitable for less structured or unstructured data that is large in scale. However, they are flexible, scalable, and can also accommodate real-time applications perfectly. That is why you’ll find them in social media or other big data apps. Most popular examples are Cassandra and MongoDB.
- Document-Based Databases
This type stores data as JSON or XML documents, which is semi-structured data. You’ll often find these types (e.g. CouchDB, Firebase) where content management or product catalogues are significantly needed.
- Cloud-Based Databases
Additionally, there are cloud-based databases that are hosted in the cloud and leverage the benefits of cloud computing. Besides being reliable and easy to scale, they also excel in cost-effectiveness, a key reason why large companies prefer them. Amazon RDS is such a type of database, while a general example would be the SaaS applications.
These aren’t the only ones, but are the most commonly used.
What Are the Key Benefits of Database Apps?
As roughly mentioned already, they automate routine tasks, reduce errors, and make data more accessible.
So, their key benefits can be listed as follows:
- Efficiency: Database apps eliminate manual intervention, therefore enabling quicker, automated and error-free tasks.
- Accessibility: They facilitate the proper access to the correct data according to authorisation levels.
- Scalability: Hopefully, your business expands. And with it, your data grows, as do its users. Database apps can handle both.
- Security: They come with advanced security features to protect not only sensitive information but also keep unauthorized users from tampering with your data.
In a nutshell, database apps make data management and protection way easier and worthwhile.
Why Is a Custom Database App Essential for Your Business?
Suppose you want to take your data management a step further. Incorporating a custom database app will offer you even more benefits because it will be:
- Tailored precisely to your business needs.
- Scalable as your data and user base grow.
- More secure and compliant with data privacy laws.
- Enhancing both the operational efficiency and automation.
How do you build a database application from scratch and make it suit your needs? Let’s first explore the distinct phases of database design.
What Are The Stages of Database Development?
Developing a database application isn’t a one-step task. It involves several stages of database development.
The following table contains each stage, along with its description, to help you have the entire process in one place.
The Key Stages of Database Development
| Stage | Description |
| Needs Defining and Requirements Gathering | Understanding your needs, what data the app will manage, and how users will interact |
| Conceptual Design | Building the high-level entity-relationship model |
| Logical Design | Translating conceptual design into logical schemas |
| Physical Design | Implementing the schema using a specific DBMS |
| Development & Testing | Building the front and back end, and running test scenarios |
| Deployment & Maintenance | Launching the app and providing ongoing updates and support |
The Detailed Phases of Database Design
Let’s focus more on the phases of database design.
While all the stages of database development are crucial for building a fully functioning database app, the following ones need the most of your time and attention.
- Conceptual Design Phase: Imagine and identify the entities, relationships, and data flows.
- Logical Design Phase: Here, your database app takes form. Define tables, columns, data types, and primary/foreign keys.
- Normalisation Phase: During this phase, it’s time to eliminate redundancy and ensure data integrity.
- Physical Design Phase: Finally, at this phase, you determine storage details and provide the indexing based on the DBMS.
Ensuring that you complete all the above phases of database design correctly and that all checklist items are ticked increases your chances of launching a database app that is up and running.
The Database Development Process Step-by-Step
Here’s your step-by-step guide for a typical database development process. From start to finish and all the way:
- First, plan and write down your data needs. Be cautious, as a significant portion will depend on your contribution.
- Then, select the appropriate database system (e.g., SQL, NoSQL, cloud-based) that best suits your needs.
- The next step is to design and model your database structure.
- After designing and modelling your structure, you go on to develop the user interface and connect it to the database.
- Finally, it’s time to test functionality, performance, and security. —The Holy Trinity of your database app.
And, voila – your database development process is complete.
Hidden Database Development Cost Factors to Watch Out For
Besides the various parameters that affect the final cost of your database development process, you must also consider the following factors, which may not be immediately apparent when pricing the job.
These may include:
- Ongoing maintenance and updates.
- Database hosting and storage fees.
- Security audits and compliance checks.
- Future scalability or integration work.
Before outsourcing the job of your database app creation, make sure you’ve discussed all the above cost factors. Hence, you avoid unpleasant, costly surprises down the road.
Ready for a More Efficient Data System?
Great! You’ll be making a smart move, allowing you to both manage and leverage your business data more effectively.
With this guide as your roadmap, you can follow best practices during the database app design phases and plan a smooth development journey from concept to launch.
However, if you want professional services tailored precisely to your needs and requirements, opt for Uniridge, a solution agency that can digitally transform your business with stalwart solutions.
Contact our team for a customized and cost-effective database app development plan that will take all the stress off your shoulders, saving you precious time to focus on other areas of your business.
See our success stories
FAQs about Database Apps
How Long Does It Take To Develop A Database App?
There isn’t a straightforward answer to that. It largely depends on the app’s complexity. While a basic app might take 3–6 weeks to develop, a complex enterprise solution could take several months to build and implement.
What’s The Best Database To Use For App Development?
Hard to say because what’s best for one type of database (e.g. relational vs. non-relational) may not be for the other. However, popular choices include MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Firebase, depending on your project’s requirements – as already mentioned.
Can I Develop A Database App Without Coding Knowledge?
Yes. It’s still possible to develop a database app even without having any coding knowledge. Platforms like Airtable, Zoho Creator, or Bubble are low-code or no-code, enabling you to complete tasks quickly and efficiently. However, you should expect limitations for custom features with these platforms.
Spreadsheet vs A Database App. What’s The Difference?
Unlike spreadsheets, which are flat and suited for basic data use, a database app is designed to support complex relationships, secure access, automation, and scalability.
