Database

Database table

A collection of associated records. View different tables by clicking the table name in the table subgroup. You can view a table in Datasheet or Design View.

What is a database

A collection of related data that can be sorted, logically organized, queried, and stored.

Individual Database

A combined set of data files intended to be used by one person.

DataBase Foreign key

A common field between tables that's not the primary key

Relationships

A link between tables that defines how the data is related. A common field between the two is used to create the link.

Database Record

A record is a collection of related fields in a data file. They describe or identify an entity. Also referred to as a row in a table. You can also select a record by using the button at the bottom of a table.

Database Primary Key

A special relational database field designated to uniquely identify all records in a table. A primary key must contain a unique value. It cannot contain a null value. Common primary keys include student ID numbers, SSN, and customer numbers.

Query

AKA a question. Is a request for information from a table or tables. Information is generated using specific query language. SQL is one of the more popular query languages. Allows you to find specific data quickly by filtering based on a specific criteria, calculate and summarize data, and automate data management tasks.

Advantages of Using a Database

Allow for the storage of large amounts of data efficiently and securely. Enable data sharing and help to ensure data integrity. Allow for centralization where data is maintained in only one life.

Company Database

Created for use by an organization. Users access the database through the company local area network.

Database Management System

DBMS. Allows users to create, modify, and access a database. Comprised of five subsystems. DBMS engine, data definition, data manipulation, application administration, and data administration.

Field properties

Design View lets you change field names and properties.

Entity Relationship Diagram

ERD.

Types of databases

Individual, company, distributed, commerical.

Commercial Database

Large database that covers specific subjects. Commercial databases are also referred to as information utilities or data banks.

List vs databases

Lists are good for simple/short tasks, can lead to data redundancy, cannot be easily updated, difficult to secure. Databases are good for information that needs to be organized and made available to multiple people.

Database Hierarchy

Lowest to highest - Character, Field, Record, Table, File, Database.

Common DBMS software

Microsoft Access, Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server.

Database Reports

Offer a way to view, format, and summarize the information in a database. Can be used to display or distribute a summary of data and archive snapshots of the data. Provide details about individual records and the create labels.

Relational Database

Organizes data into tables based on structured data groupings. Use links called relationships between tables. Information in tables is stored in rows (records) and columns (fields). A common field that is included in both tables is used to create the relationship.

Database Relationships

Organizes data into various tables based on logical groupings. In Design view select the design tab, then select relationships.

Which fields to include in a table.

Planning is required when designing a database. You need to include each category of data. Fields should be choose because they uniquely identify each data category you need to capture. Never combine two separate pieces of data.

Structured Query Language

SQL

Distributed Database

The data in a database is stored in different physical locations and accessed via client/server networks.

Data Integrity

The database is reliable, accurate, and aligned to the goals of the organization. The way data is entered greatly impacts its integrity. Data centralization helps increase data integrity.

Databases Uses

To create a structure for data and allow processed data to be used and interpreted. Business transactions create data that needs to be managed and stored. Turns data into usable information.

Database Form

Used to control how data is entered into a database. They structure data input to ensure data integrity. Turn data into information. Created using DBMS software.

Database field

You can adjust field properties for the table in Design View. The member ID column is the field. A group of related characters in a table. Switch to Design View to edit Field Names and Field Properties.

Data centralization

keeping data in one database.

Data type

specifies the data in the field, such as text, numeric or date/time. Setting data types decreases data input mistakes.