What is database software and why does looking for info about it keep giving me info on creating mobile apps?
I need something will help me create an inventory of rental gear with status, time for service, replacement cost, original vendor, current vendor, etc
So I think I need database software
But when I go look for it, every video explaining DB software seems to talk about using it to create mobile apps
Also wiki software and iA Writer seem to get recommendations which means I maybe don’t want database software but rather something else?
Hjalp!
In: 0
I’m your database you create tables. Customer, Supplier, Product, inventory…. In those tables are columns, customer name, address…
You create links or joins between those tables to create reports.
Microsoft Access is a common database application.
Depending on your needs Microsoft Access or Excel could fit your needs.
There are free alternatives to look into. Google Sheets for example.
It’s possible a intro and or intermediate training would get what you need.
Database software such as MySql, Postgresql and MongoDB are usually used by other applications to store and retrieve information. They are very good at storing and retrieving data but are not so good at managing or working with the data. For the most part they are designed to be used by programs and not people.
A lot of websites and mobile apps will use a Database in the background to manage their data. This is likely why you’re coming up with so much information on developing mobile apps.
What you likely need is some inventory management software that would use a database in the background while providing a nice easy to use user interface that hides the complexity of the database itself.
A database is just a way to store data so it can be processed and compared to other data.
Most modern mobile apps and web pages use databases to store their user’s and company information.
For example, Amazon would store the description and prices of items they sell in a database.
When the use opens the Amazon app and reviews an item, the mobile app would upload the review to the database.
When another user on Amazon looks at the item, the server will combine the price, description, and review from the database and send it to the Amazon App running on the mobile device, and the other user will be able to see all the info.
You can use a database for your problen but it’s too complex to explain how on an eli5. Maybe try asking in a programming subreddit instead?
The reason why you’re getting these results is because DBs are not really made to be used by the end-users. They’re used as a tool for structured data storage when software developers are developing systems.
Generally, you have a user interface (e.g. mobile or web app) which communicates with a server that then stores the data in the database. Apps can have their local databases too but it would be a big no-no in this case – what if your phone dies and all local data you’ve entered is gone?
Which industry are you in?
My advice would be to develop a custom solution which will then grow with your business. It shouldn’t be too expensive in the beginning and it can grow little by little. Already existing inventory management systems might be too cubersome for smaller businesses.
One other solution which might be for you if you’re handy is “Microsoft PowerApps”, I think that actually might be what you’re looking for but it will come with some learning curve and time investment. Edit: And I’ve also heard it’s quite expensive for what it is.
Mobile apps (and non mobiles ones) use databases. Reddit keeps an “inventory” of its posts, comments, users, whatever, in databases. When people talk about the “back end” of a website or app they’re talking about its database.
I’d probably search for “inventory management software” instead of just “database” because unless you already have some sort of tool to create, update, delete records (like entering items on a spreadsheet or a web form) then you’ll want something easy to use to actually add your inventory to the database.
Or you could look up specific database software like Postgresql or Mysql (both use SQL which is a language for making database queries and updates) but if you’re just looking for something to help with inventory there are probably more solutions out there with more features than just the database itself.
Hi, I work in IT for a retail company doing every day exactly what you are doing right now. You’re kind of asking the wrong question here.
> I need something will help me create an inventory of rental gear with status, time for service, replacement cost, original vendor, current vendor, etc
While database software will defiantly be a part of the software you are looking to purchase. It’s kind of like saying “I’m going to need a delivery vehicle, so I think I should buy some steel to make a car”. While that’s true, cars are made of steel, what you actually want to do is find a manufacturer who’s job it is to turn steel into cars then buy a car from them. Even better, find a manufacturer that specializes in delivery vehicles so that it’ll already have the special delivery related features that you want.
Database software us the “back end” of almost all software platforms. Everything from the Point of Sale software that they use in every retail store, to the google search back end, all of it uses some kind of database software.
What you should be looking for is an “off the shelf” software product that is designed specifically for the rental industry.
I did some quick googling and found the software by www.rentle.io that looks designed to suit your needs, but honestly I know nothing at all about it so not a recommendation.
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