Database
Database: is a single organised collection of data for one or more purpose stored with minimum duplication of data items so as to provide a consistent and controlled pool of data. For example a school student database will contain data relating to their academic results, school fees, accomodations, parent information and so on for the purpose of managing the students.
Traditional databases are organised by field, record and files.
A field is a single pieces of information.
A record is one complete set of field.
A file is a collection of record.
A database is usually created using database packages called Database Management System (DBMS) and Relational Database Management System (RDBMS).
Database Management System:DBMS: is a software that controls the storage, retrieval and manipulation of data stored in a database. examples of DBMS are Microsoft Access, Oracle, My SQL, Foxbase plus and so on.
Basic terminologies in database
The following are some of the basic database terminologies
Data: is defined as raw fact or unprocessed facts or unknown fact
Field: is a single piece of attribute about an entity, place or event in a student database table, some examples of attribute or field are: surname, date of birth, address e.t.c
Record: A record is a complete set of attributes (fields) about an entity, place or event
Key: A key is an attribute in an attribute in a database table or file. The primary key is a unique attribute that can be used to identify a record in database table.
File: A file is a single collection of related records.
Forms of Database Organization (Database Model)
A database model is a fundamental specification describing how a database is structured and used. That is, how the data is stored, organized, related and manipulated. It defines the set of many data base models but the three basic database models are
- Hierarchical database model
- Network database model
- Relational database model
Computer database format
Database packages are used to design a database in computer. Example of a common database package is Microsoft access. Microsoft access is a relational database management system used to create and modify databases.
The database format in the computer is organized as follows
To create a database on the computer with MS-Access
Load Microsoft Access
To load access, do the following
Click on start menu
Point to al programs
Point to Microsoft Access
Click on Microsoft access.
Create Database
From the displayed window, click on blank database
By the right hand side of the windows, click inside the file name textbox and type the desired database name.
Click on create command button.
Assignment
- Write short note on the following
- Hierarchical database model
- Network database model
- Relational database model
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