"on the database" vs "in the database"

Question

"on the database" vs "in the database"

Both 'in the database' and 'on the database' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the database' is commonly used to refer to information stored within a database, while 'on the database' is less common and could be used to describe something physically located on top of a physical database.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

Use 'on the database' when referring to something physically placed on top of a physical database, rather than data stored within the database.

Examples:

The coffee cup is on the database.
There are papers scattered on the database.
The book is lying on the database.

Alternatives:

on top of the database
above the database
resting on the database
sitting on the database
placed on the database

Use 'in the database' when referring to data or information that is stored within a database.

Examples:

The customer's contact details are stored in the database.
All the sales transactions are recorded in the database.
The employee records are kept in the database.

Alternatives:

within the database
inside the database
stored in the database
part of the database
contained in the database

Answer 1

on the database

This phrase is less common but could be used to describe something physically located on top of a physical database.

Answer 2

in the database

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to information stored within a database.

"on the database" vs "in the database"

on the database

in the database

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