A database catalog is a feature included in a server that allows users and administrators to verify information about each database installed on that server. Along with common information, a database catalog also contains metadata on each database, such as how many tables and rows are used in a given database. One way for administrators to verify changes to the database is to look at the catalog, as this saves all recent changes to the database along with information about the people who made the changes. Users typically have limited or no access to the catalog; the catalog automatically has an email link so users can email administrators and request access.
man holding computer
If a business or website owner has a server, there will typically be multiple databases included on that server. These databases can contain different types of information or can be used to maximize the storage limit of each database. It can be difficult for administrators to use or regulate each database, but the database catalog can help them with this task. This is because the catalog keeps an archive of all databases, so administrators don’t forget any.
In addition to the name of each database on the server, a database catalog can also access the metadata for each database. This metadata contains basic information about the database, such as how many tables are populated with data and how many users have access to the database. Although the metadata cannot be changed, it makes it easy for users and administrators to see the size of a database at a glance.
The database catalog doesn’t just store metadata; it also stores information about recent changes. This section of the catalog lists all changes and displays the username and Internet Protocol (IP) address so administrators know who is responsible for the changes. If the change is harmful to the database, the administrators will know who is to blame.
While administrators generally have unlimited access to the database catalog, most users have limited or no access. This is because users typically do not need metadata information, nor do they need to know the number of databases on a server. If users need access, the catalog will automatically have an email link that allows users to email administrators to request access. Administrators may or may not grant this access, depending on the user’s reasons and history.
