Topic 8 Database

Topic 8 Database

1. Keywords and Definitions

   • Field
     • Is a single item of data within a record.
   • Record
     • Consists of a collection of related fields.
   • File
     • (Known as a table in Microsoft Access) is a collection of related fields.
   • Key field (Primary key)
     • A key field uniquely identifies each record.
   • Validation
     • Checks to see that data being entered is sensible and reasonable.
   • Report
     • A printed document that contains data from the datebase, organised and analysed in a certain way.
   • Security
     • Passwords maybe set so that no unauthorised user can access the database.

2. Exam Questions and Answers

   • Explain why surnames would be an unsuitable key field.(1 marks)
     • Key fields have to be unique.
     • Surnames are not unique as there are two people with the same surname.

3. Examples

   • Field: Surname, text. Date of birth, date/time. Selling pricing, currency.
   • Record: Pupil's record in a school database, surname, forename, dat o birth, from, etc.
   • File/table: The table of records of all pupils in the schools.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages

   • A: Databases are faster that paper-based system.
   • D: A company must spend time training employees to use the database.