Databases

Databases are used to process Lists

These lists are stored in tables. The tables have rows and columns, much like a spreadsheet.

This table is called a Database:  it is a collection of rows which is organized to make the retrieval of information easier.  

A database can consist of a single file ( a flat database file) OR a number of related files (relational database file). 

Information is organized data

A column of the table is also known as a Field: the basic element of any database. 

A field stores an individual piece of information, such as a phone number or a zip code.

A row of the table is also know as a Record: records are made up of fields and are identical in structure throughout a database file. 

In an address book database, for example, an individual record might contain a Name, an Address, a Zip Code, and a Phone Number fields.

Everyday uses of databases

- locates information instantly, updates information, alphabetize, and prioritize

Operations that can be performed on records in a database:

• add new records

• update records

• delete records

• sort by field

• search for records

• select records

View the database in many different ways

Four steps in creating a database 

Step One: Create a database structure

• to create a database you must first create a database structure to hold the information you wish to collect

• The structure is a list or pattern that describes the attributes you want to record

• the database structure is created by defining the fields

Step Two: Collect the data

• Collect the data and verify that your database structure suits the data collected

Step Three: Data Entry

• After the data is collected and the structure is complete, the information for each record can be entered into the correct field

Step Four: Verify the data

• Edit the database to ensure that it is correct. 

• In reality, this is an on- going step. It never ends!!

Examples of database programs