Scribd
Upload
112 views4 pages

Introduction To Database Programming: What Is A Database?

This document provides an introduction to database programming. It defines a database as a collection of related information stored in a structured format. There are two main types of databases: flat-file databases with no relationship between tables, and relational databases with relationships between tables. Relational databases are managed using relational database management systems (RDBMS) like Microsoft Access or SQL Server. Data is organized into tables with rows and columns, and each table requires a primary key field to uniquely identify each record.

Uploaded by

api-27070090
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
112 views4 pages

Introduction To Database Programming: What Is A Database?

This document provides an introduction to database programming. It defines a database as a collection of related information stored in a structured format. There are two main types of databases: flat-file databases with no relationship between tables, and relational databases with relationships between tables. Relational databases are managed using relational database management systems (RDBMS) like Microsoft Access or SQL Server. Data is organized into tables with rows and columns, and each table requires a primary key field to uniquely identify each record.

Uploaded by

api-27070090
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Cert IV Multimedia/Websites

Programming 2
Introduction to Database Programming

Introduction to Database Programming

What is a Database?
As you begin to build dynamic applications, it becomes obvious that you need to store data and
allow users to access it through your application.

A database is a collection of related information stored in a structured format. In order to maintain


accurate records, most businesses store information about their employees, customers and
inventory in a database.

Common examples of business databases include a customer list, mailing list, product information,
or reservation system.

Definitions of a ‘database’

● ‘A structured collection of data items stored, controlled, and accessed through a computer based
on predefined relationships between predefined types of data items related to a specific business,
situation, or problem’ (Alter, 2002)

● ‘A computer structure that houses a collection of related data (raw facts) and metadata. The
metadata consist of data about data, that is, the data characteristics and relationships’ (Rob &
Coronel, 2002)

● ‘An organized collection of facts and information’ (Stair & Reynolds, 2008)

Types of databases
There are two main types of databases:

• Flat-file
• Relational

Flat-file database
A flat file is a simple database where there is no relationship between tables within the database.
An Excel spreadsheet is an example of a flat file database.

Relational Database:
A relational database is the most popular database used for complex record storage. A relational
database contains relations between the tables within the database.

Single User and Multiple User databases


Databases on personal computers are most often created for and used by a single user; only one
person can use the database at one time. While Access databases can handle a number of
concurrent connections, they are usually designed for a single user.

Multiple user databases allow more than one person to use the database at one time. An Oracle
database and a SQLServer database are examples of a multiple user database.
Cert IV Multimedia/Websites
Programming 2
Introduction to Database Programming

Relational Database Management System (RDBMS)


A relational database management system (RDBMS) is computer software designed for the purpose
of creating and managing databases.

There are many types of RDBMS including: Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server, Ingres, DB2,,
MySQL and Microsoft access.

This semester, we will be using Microsoft Access which is falls into the desktop category of
database engines and works best for individuals and small workgroups.

In contrast, Microsoft SQL Server is a server-based, enterprise-level database and can have
thousands of concurrent connections. We use SQL Server at Diploma level.

Common features of a relational database


● User view of data
● Ability to store and retrieve data
● Creation and modification of the database
● Manipulation of data and generation of reports

Tables
A database organizes data in tables. A table is a collection of data about a specific topic. Separate
tables are used for each topic.

For instance, the table below stores data about Doctors. As you can imagine, a pharmaceutical
representative would find this data very useful when setting up appointments. The alternative
would be to consult another type of database – the phone book.

Rows & Columns


Tables are the main element in a database. Tables contain rows and columns. Each row is referred
to as a record and each column is referred to as a field.
Cert IV Multimedia/Websites
Programming 2
Introduction to Database Programming

Field Data Types


Tables can store any sort of data. The fields of a table are used to categorise data. Before you can
use a table to store data, you need to determine which fields it will include and determine the data
type for each field. Each RDBMS uses different field data types for different kinds of data.

Access Field Data Types

Data Type Description

Text Any alphanumeric data such as names and addresses. Can


contain up to 255 characters.

Memo Similar to text but can store up to 64,000 characters such as


article text.

Number Numerical data that will be used for mathematical calculations.

Date/Time Date or time values for the years 100 through 9999 such as a
birthday.

Currency Currency data.

AutoNumber Unique sequential (incremented by 1) number assigned by


access. Used for fields that needs to be unique.

Yes/No Similar to a Boolean data type of true false.

OLE Object External objects such as bitmaps or sound files.

Hyperlink As the name suggests, stores a hyperlink.

Lookup Wizard Creates a field which allows you to select a value from another
table or from a list of values displayed in a list box or a combo
box.
Cert IV Multimedia/Websites
Programming 2
Introduction to Database Programming

Primary Keys
Each table must have a field that uniquely identifies each record. This field is the Primary Key of
the table.

For instance, a database belonging to a financial institution may contain millions of records about
thousands of customers. Among those customers there may be several with the name John Brown.
You couldn’t rely on the database to find the record for the particular John Brown you are trying to
work with, it might end up updating or deleting the wrong record. We can avoid these kind or
problems by using a system that uniquely identifies each row in the table.

Each table you create should include an ID field. This column is then chosen to uniquely identify
each record and is called the Primary Key.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy