What is a database?
A database is an organised collection of data, which allows users to obtain and process information according to its requirements.
Advantages of using databases
- Better storage techniques compared to file systems
- Data only stored once, prevents duplication of data
- Data is consistent, changes only need to be made once. Changes are then reflected for all the users using the database.
Applications of databases?
- Security systems
- Social networking websites
- Industrial management (products, orders, stock etc etc amazon)
- Aviation management
- Trade management
Software for managing and creating databases
- Microsoft SQL Server
- My SQL
- Oracle
- IBM Db2
- PostgreSQL
Programming languages to interact with database servers
- Python
- JavaScript
- Delphi
What is the structured query language (SQL) used for?
Used to customise and retrieve information from the database
How are databases structured?
Data stored in the form of tables!
What is a record, what is a field? When identifying data, which is the first in a bracket?
A record is the row, a field is the column. When identifying data, record (row) comes first. eg (1, 3), when record 1 and field 3.
What is a primary key?
Unique identifier for a specific record. Prevents data duplication. Can be just numbers or combinations of letters and numbers.
What does validation checks in databases do?
Assured data integrity using validation techniques. Eg email must have the @ symbol
