Basic Database Terms

Sort

Ordering data according to a field, either alphabetically or numerically.

Format

Ways to show data such as numbers, dates, times, and text.

Data

A collection of facts that are raw information structured by a database.

Field

A column in a table representing one category of information in a table's structure.

Record

A row in a table containing values for each field in the structure; an item of field structured information.

Form

A template for entering, viewing and editing data in a database.

Query

A tool for extracting information using criteria for matching records.

Report

An output template for displaying information from a database such as a printed list or labels.

Table

Data organized in an array with rows and columns. The column headings are FIELDS of the table and each row is a RECORD.

Database

Information structured by fields (categories).