Introduction to Databases

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Introduction to Databases

• Created by Laurie Shteir

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What is a Database

• Collection of all the data related to a
  particular topic or purpose -- for example,
  student data, customer data or product data

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Structure of a Database

• Records
• Garner Julia 30 Simpson Ave 555-3432
• Garrett Allen 1222 Elm Street 555-9876
• Gieger Carl 25 West Ave 555-2702
• Geiser Gary 712 Chestnut 555-1112
• Goucher Gerard 17 Asbury Ave 555-2956

File or Table
Fields
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Definitions

• Data field is a group of related characters
• Garner Julia
• 30 Simpson Ave
• 555-3432
• Data Record is a group of related data fields
• Garner Julia 30 Simpson Ave 555-3432

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Definitions

• A Database is a collection of one or more related
  data files or tables

Garner Julia 30 Simpson Ave 555-3432 Garrett
Allen 1222 Elm Street 555-9876 Gieger Carl 25
West Ave 555-2702 Geiser Gary 712 Chestnut
555-1112 Goucher Gerard 17 Asbury Ave 555-2956
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What can I do with Database Software?

• Enter data quickly and easily
• Organize records in different ways
• Locate specific records quickly
• Eliminate data
• Connect files with related information
• Create Reports
• Create Queries

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Data Management Software

• File Managers
• Manage data from one file (Flat File)
• Data Base Management Systems
• Manage data from related files these files
• are connected in some way

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Database Organization

• Hierarchical, Network, Relational and
  Object-Oriented
• Relational -- Collection of related tables that
  share information. Most common type of database
  organization
• Access is a relational database that can be used
  as a file manager or a full-blown database
  management system

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Relational DatabaseCollection of related tables
that can share information. Most flexible