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Data is the foundation of all information systems, and Database Services are the foundation for applications created on Force.com. Force.com Database Services allow you to create objects to store all of your crucial data, letting the enterprise power of the platform handle the sometimes difficult tasks of ensuring that your data is safe and continually available.

Database Services go far beyond simple storage of data. All the functionality of Database Services is available to all applications running on Force.com, whether they are built with the declarative application framework, extended with Force.com Apex Code and Visualforce Pages, or simply accessing data through the Force.com Web Services API.

Overview of the Database Services

• An Introduction to the Force.com Database provides a technical introduction to the Force.com database.

• 
  Force.com Database Demo A two minute overview of the Force.com database.

Articles and Presentations

• Using Apex Managed Sharing to Create Custom Record Sharing Logic looks at how to write custom logic to determine who records are shared.
• An Overview of Force.com Security has several sections on security related to the database, including sharing.
• 
  Unlocking the Value from Your Data with Reporting and Analytics shows how to use the reporting and analytics features of the database.
• 
  Look Ma! No Code! Build Powerful Force Platform Apps Without Programming from Dreamforce '08, starting at about 6:30, this presentation shows how to build a simple database application.

Multitenancy

Under the hood, the Force.com Database is built on a foundation of multitenancy. The following items explore this aspect of the database (not essential for developers, but rather interesting reading):

• 
  Whitepaper: The Force.com Multitenant Architecture provides a detailed look at multitenancy and its role on Force.com.
• 
  Webinar: Multitenant Magic - Under the Covers of the Force.com Data Architecture is a great presentation covering some of the material presented in the whitepaper.

Reference Material

• The Force.com Web Services API Developer's Guide contains fundamental information about the database and its operation. In particular, see:
  • Objects and Fields
  • SOQL Documentation has the syntax and usage of SOQL.
  • SOSL documentation has the syntax and usage of SOSL.
• How is SOQL different from SQL?.
• BNF FOR SOQL