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A collection of logically related information organized so that it can be easily accessible, managed, and updated What is a Database?A database refers to a collection of logically related information organized so that it can be easily accessible, managed, and updated. Databases are generally accessed electronically from a computer system and are usually controlled by a database management system (DBMS). The database administrator (DBA) is the individual responsible for managing the databases, including database security, access control, backup, and disaster recovery. Summary
What is Data?Before we get into the concept of a database, we should first understand what data is. Put simply, data are pieces of information or facts related to the object being considered. For example, examples of data relating to an individual would be the person’s name, age, height, weight, ethnicity, hair color, and birthdate. Data is not limited to facts themselves, as pictures, images, and files are also considered data. There are a few key terms that would be useful to help one understand data more, particularly the relation between data and databases. Fields: Within a database, a field contains the most detailed information about events, people, objects, and transactions. Record: A record is a collection of related fields. Table: A table is a collection of related records with a unique table name Database: A database is a collection of related tables. What is the Role of Databases in an Enterprise?Enterprises typically make use of both internal databases and external databases. Internal databases typically include operational databases and data warehouses. The former, operational databases, refer to databases that are actively used in the operations of the business, such as accounting, sales, finance, and HR. Data warehouses contain data collected from several sources, and the data contained within are generally not used for routine business activities. Instead, data warehouses are usually used for business intelligence purposes. External databases refer to databases external to an organization and are generally accessed over the Internet and are owned by other organizations. An example of an external database is the SEC database. Components of a DatabaseThe five major components of a database are: 1. HardwareHardware refers to the physical, electronic devices such as computers and hard disks that offer the interface between computers and real-world systems. 3. SoftwareSoftware is a set of programs used to manage and control the database and includes the database software, operating system, network software used to share the data with other users, and the applications used to access the data. 3. DataData are raw facts and information that need to be organized and processed to make it more meaningful. Database dictionaries are used to centralize, document, control, and coordinate the use of data within an organization. A database is a repository of information about a database (also called metadata). 4. ProceduresProcedures refer to the instructions used in a database management system and encompass everything from instructions to setup and install, login and logout, manage the day-to-day operations, take backups of data, and generate reports. 5. Database Access LanguageDatabase Access Language is a language used to write commands to access, update, and delete data stored in a database. Users can write commands using Database Access Language before submitting them to the database for execution. Through utilizing the language, users can create new databases, tables, insert data, and delete data. What is a Database Management System (DBMS)?A Database Management System (DBMS) is a well-known term in data analysis. It refers to a collection of programs that enable users to access databases and manipulate, maintain, report, and relate data. A DBMS is often used to reduce data redundancy, share data in a controlled way, and reduce data integrity problems. DBMS is not an information system but is simply software. The relational model, which saves data in table formats, is the most widely used DBMS. The relational DBMS organizes information into rows, columns, and tables, making it easier to find relevant information. Relational databases are popular because they are easy to extend, and new data categories can be added after the original database is created without large amounts of modification. The Structured Query Language (SQL) is considered the standard user and application program interface for a relational database, and all relational DBMS software supports SQL. Examples include FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle. More ResourcesTo keep learning and developing your knowledge of business intelligence and data analysis, we highly recommend the additional resources below:
What term refers to a collection of related fields?A record is a collection of related fields. An Employee record may contain a name field(s), address fields, birthdate field and so on. A file is a collection of related records. Tables are also called datasheets.
What is the term for a field containing a value that uniquely identifies each record in a database table?A primary key consists of one or more fields that uniquely identify each record that you store in the table. Often, there is a unique identification number, such as an ID number, a serial number, or a code, that serves as a primary key.
What is the term used to describe a collection of fields or one row in a database?A row, or record, is also known as a tuple. The columns in a table is a field and is also referred to as an attribute. You can also think of it this way: an attribute is used to define the record and a record contains a set of attributes.
What is the term used to a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed managed and updated?A database is information that is set up for easy access, management and updating. Computer databases typically store aggregations of data records or files that contain information, such as sales transactions, customer data, financials and product information.
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