Databases & Data Storage
CRUD
Definition
CRUD is an acronym for Create, Read, Update, and Delete. These are the four basic functions of persistent storage. It describes the fundamental operations that can be performed on data in a database.
Why It Matters
CRUD provides a simple mental framework for thinking about how users and applications interact with data. Most applications, at their core, are just sophisticated ways to perform CRUD operations on data.
Contextual Example
In a blog application: Create = Writing a new post. Read = Viewing a post. Update = Editing an existing post. Delete = Removing a post. These map to the SQL statements `INSERT`, `SELECT`, `UPDATE`, and `DELETE`.
Common Misunderstandings
- CRUD is not a technology, but a concept that describes the functions of a system.
- RESTful APIs are often designed around CRUD principles, with HTTP methods mapping to the operations (e.g., POST for Create, GET for Read, PUT/PATCH for Update, DELETE for Delete).