Sitecore Content Databases

Sitecore Content Databases are Master, Web and Core.

These databases are most important for content management in Sitecore, so it is necessary to understand each of these database:

Master Database

Master Database is managed by the Developers. It is the default database used by Sitecore Content Editor. It contains all the version of all items created in Sitecore. All the  templates, content items, layouts, settings, models, rendering, media library items, etc. are stored in the master database. All item versions and language variations are also stored here. It also contains all the published and unpublished content.

Web Database

Web Database is used to support live websites. It is a subset of the master database which is optimized for size and speed over master database. When content is published from Sitecore, it goes through the publishing task of workflow and the latest content version is copied from the master to web database. Whenever we wants to make any changes on website to go live, we have to move it to web database from the master database. All the published content is stored in the web database. It do not contain any unpublished content. This database also includes one version for each language variation. It is suggested not to edit anything in web database directly as it will affect the live site and may led to errors.

Core Database

Core Database contains core information required for running the Sitecore environment. It contains all Sitecore settings, as well as the tables containing the .NET membership provider for authenticity and security (i.e. users and roles contained available in the Sitecore Instance). It also includes Sitecore user interface definitions (Content Editor, Experience Editor, etc.), application information, user preferences and many other such Sitecore settings.

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