How Databases Store Data

Databases utilize two types of storage during operations: disk-based storage and RAM-based storage.

A disk-based database is limited by the size of the hard disk(s) and the limits of actually accessing information on the hard disks.

RAM-based (in-memory) databases store information temporarily in RAM. With no moving parts, RAM-based databases can be blazingly fast.

Database models generally follow a disk-based or RAM-based model, or more uncommonly, a hybrid system. Generally speaking, because of the physical constraints of RAM, databases optimized or entirely stored in RAM usually have to have a more simplified internal structure compared to disk-based databases. RAM-based databases usually use simple algorithms such as binary search by array, and quick sort.

Valentina uses both models, interactively - Valentina disk-based and RAM-based databases can use the same API.