DBMS vs. Database vs. Database Client

It is important to make a distinction between these 3 important concepts:

DBMS - This is the database management system. The software engine which you use to create databases and store/manage the data within the database. Some of the more popular DBMS applications are:

* Oracle
* SQL Server
* Access
* Sybase
* MySQL

Database - This is a file or collection of files that holds your data (tables, indicies, records etc). DBMS applications are used to create databases.

Database clients - A database client application is an application you use to connect to a DBMS to work on a database. Review that statement carefully. You connect to a DBMS to work on a database because the DBMS manages important features such as security, data processing etc for the database. Some common Database clients are:

* Free
* SQL Server Management Studio Express
* Oracle SQL Developer
* DB Visualizer
* Eclipse Data Tools

* Commercial
* TOAD
* Enterprise Manager