A distributed database is a database in which data is stored in different physical locations. [1] It may be stored on multiple computers located in the same physical location (such as a data center); or it may be dispersed across a network of interconnected computers. Unlike parallel systems where processors are tightly coupled and form a single database system, distributed database systems consist of loosely coupled sites that do not share physical components.

System administrators can distribute A distributed database a collection of data (such as in a database) to multiple physical locations. Distributed databases can reside on organized network servers or on independent computers dispersed across the Internet, a company intranet or extranet, or other organizational networks. Because distributed databases store data across multiple computers, distributed databases can improve the performance of end-user workplaces by allowing transactions to be processed on multiple computers instead of being limited to just one. [2]

There are two processes that ensure a distributed database remains up to date: replication[3] and replication.

Replication involves using specialized software to find changes in a distributed database. Once the changes are identified, the replication process makes all databases look the same. The replication process can be complex and time-consuming, depending on the size and number of distributed databases. This process can also require significant time and computer resources.
Replication, on the other hand, is less complex. It identifies a database as the primary database and then replicates that database. The copying process is usually completed at a set time after hours. This is to ensure that each distributed location has the same data. During the replication process, users can only make changes to the primary database. This ensures that local data is not overwritten.
Both replication and duplication keep data up-to-date across all distribution locations.
In addition to distributed database replication and sharding, there are many other distributed database design techniques. For example, local autonomy, synchronous, asynchronous distributed database technology. The implementation of these technologies can and does depend on the needs of the business, the sensitivity/confidentiality of the data stored in the database, and the price the business is willing to spend to ensure data security, consistency, and integrity.

When discussing access to distributed databases, Microsoft supports the term "distributed query," which it defines in a protocol-specific manner as "any SELECT, INSERT, or SELECT that references tables and rowsets from one or more external OLE DB data , UPDATE or DELETE statement "source". [4] Oracle provides a more language-centric view, in which distributed queries and distributed transactions form part of distributed SQL.