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database

1. what is a database

   • a database can be described as 'a persistent organised store of data that is used on a computer system.
   • persistent means that it is saved to a file so that it is non-volatile and can be accessed again.
   • databases are organised in such a way that the data can be selected, retrived and edited.
   • not that if databases is created using a program, it will only store the data persistently if it is written to disk.

2. data-handling software

   • data- handling software such as a spread sheet or a relational database can be used as follows:
     • databases can be created and, In some cases, data-handling software has wizards to help create a commonly used database structure
     • data maintenance features include: editing records, deleting records and adding new records.
     • simple queries can be used to retrieve specific data from one table. queries also let you add criteria to 'filter' the data down to just the records you want to view. the resultant data can then be printed out using the report feature.

3. the DBMS

   • a database management system (DBMS) is a software application designed to:
     • interact with database users.
     • capture, extract and analyse data
     • interact with other software applications
   • there are many commonly used DBMS systems including: oracle, MS access and MySQL.