Databases
Introduction
What is a Database?
• A DATABASE is a collection of related data.–Data is just another name for information.
Databases are the Most Common Type of Computer Program
• Used by– Business
– Education
– Libraries
– Even Individuals• You use databases almost every day, and
don’t even know it!
Examples• Phonebook
– Even the one in your cell phone!
• Card Catalog– Paper or electronic
• Your Student Records• Address Book• A list of your MP3’s
Databases
• In many ways a database is similar to a spreadsheet.
• It can serve some of the same functions.
• For an end user a database can be easier to use, but is harder to set up.
Updating Databases• When you update data in a
database (table or form) it is automatically updated everywhere else.
• No need to do a “save”.–This is common to all database
programs.
Database Table• A TABLE is a collection of data in a
row/column format.• Not all programs let you see and
edit in this format, but it is there.• It looks a lot like a spreadsheet.
Related Tables• A special type of database program is
called a “Relational Database.”• To make tables related you must have
ONE common field that is unique to each record.
• Usually ID numbers serve this purpose.– Example: Driver’s license number.
Related Tables
• In a relational database the ID field can then be used to pull all of the related data together.– Example: A police officer checks to see if you
have any moving violations.– Each ticket is a separate record. Your driver’s
license number is the ID field that is used to pull all the records together.
– The records could be on the state computer or local municipality’s computers.
Database Form• A FORM is a window used to edit or add a
record in a table. • Normally you can only use ONE record in a
form.– The exception is if you have a relational
database.• A record is a collection of information about one
person, item or transaction.
Database Report• A REPORT is a print out of
specified fields in a table or tables.
• A REPORT gets it’s data from a Table or Tables.
Examples of a Report
• Phone Bill
• Cash register receipt
• Driver’s License
• TV Guide
• Search Engine Results
• Report Card
ENTERING/EDITING DATA
• Two methods:–Use a form.–Enter directly onto a TABLE.
•Tables look a lot like spreadsheets.
–We will be learning to enter into a form.
The First Step in Designing a Database
• Break down your information into fields.• For example:
– Names are usually broken into 2 fields• First Name• Last Name
– Addresses are broken into 4 or 5 fields• Street address (Sometimes 2 fields, one line per
field)• City• State• Zipcode
Step 1 Continued
• Identify each field by type.– NUMBER fields are used in math operations.
• Grades, Dollar amounts etc.
– Most others are TEXT fields• Zipcodes and phone numbers would be TEXT
fields because you don’t do math with them.
Step 2
• Design the FORM– The software automatically does the table for
you!– Most software allows you to design the form
anyway you like.
Step 3
• Start Entering Data!– Reports (Printouts) are a separate process.
• Reports can be custom or already designed for a particular purpose.
• A report card or cash register receipt are examples of reports.
• Even ID cards such as driver’s licenses are reports.
Next Class
• We will start using Filemaker Pro.
• It is one of many database programs.
• It’s easy to set up a database with this program.
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