Databases

Databases

1. Databases store data in tables, a single database file can store many tables, queries and reports

2. Data, information and knowledge

   • Data items need to be part of a structure
   • Input devices can collect data automatically
   • A structure is needed in order for data to become information
   • Spreadsheets are commonly used to turn data into information
   • In both of these cases the data collected will be read into a database for processing
   • spreadsheetapplication
   • Data leads to information, and information leads to knowledge
   • A more sophisticated example of this is an expert system. This is where computers are programmed to accept a large number of items of information and, based on rules set in the program, make decisions, then further decisions.

3. Databases and data capture

   • Before setting up a database, the record structure must be decided to make best use of the memory and backing store, and to make searching and report creation easier.
     • The key field is a unique identifier for each record.
   • 1.What information is needed?
   • 2.What validation could there be?
   • When designing a database it is important to choose the correct field type.
     • A relational database has more than one table and the tables are linked using key fields.