Topic 11: Databases

Question 1

Define a database

Answer 1

A large collection of data items and links between them, structured so that it can be accessed by many different application programs.

Question 2

Name two advantages of a relational database approach over flat files (like spreadsheets).

Answer 2

1. Databases can be made more secure by using a hierarchy of passwords. This means some people (eg managers) have access to all the data, while others (eg receptionist) can only access some data.
2. Data is stored separately from the applications that use it (data independence). So the data can be updated without needing to change the software application.

Question 3

What is a database query?

Answer 3

A query is when the user interrogates a database to find information. For example, a search to find all the patients who are recommended to have a flu jab.

Question 4

What is a database report?

Answer 4

A report is the output from a database in which the user decides how the results are presented. For example, they might want to show figures in a table or as a chart. Or they might want a list of search results as hyperlinks.

Question 5

What is import/export?

Answer 5

Import/export is the transfer of data from one software application to another. For example, names and addresses are exported from a database and imported into a word processing program to produce appointment reminder letters using mail merge.