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