Directory and Database

Though both directory and database are considered as organized collection of data, they have subtle differences.

A directory is optimized for read operations. To query any data from a directory we use an application protocol called LDAP (Light weight directory access protocol). This protocol is used specifically for querying data as well as modifying said data. Examples for LDAP Directory: Active Directory, Tivoli Directory Server, Oracle Internet Directory

A database is optimized for write and change operations. Originally, databases were flat. This means that the information was stored in one long text file. Each entry in the file is separated by a special character, such as a vertical bar (|). Querying data from such flat files made our job cumbersome.

Then in 1970’s the 'Relational database' came into picture which uses tables to store information. Relational databases are created using a special computer language called structured query language (SQL). SQL is the foundation for all of the popular database applications available today. Examples for Relational Database: Oracle Database, DB2, Microsoft SQL Server

Therefore, any data that is read many more times than it is written or modified is a good candidate for storage in a directory.