Single Database Server
A single database server is a standalone database management system (DBMS) instance running on one physical or virtual machine, handling all data storage, processing, and querying for an application. It centralizes data in one location, simplifying management and ensuring consistency, but lacks built-in redundancy or scalability features. This architecture is common in small to medium applications where simplicity and low operational overhead are priorities.
Developers should use a single database server for simple applications, prototypes, or small-scale projects where data volume and user traffic are low, as it minimizes complexity and cost. It's ideal for learning environments, internal tools, or when rapid development is needed without the overhead of distributed systems. However, it's not suitable for high-availability or large-scale production systems due to risks of single points of failure and performance bottlenecks.