Intro to Database

What are some examples of databases?

• Card catalog in library replaced by Quest.
• Library has links to academic databases on web pages.
• Political Campaign Supporter Information
• Booster Club Information
• Organize data recorded on submarines
• Blockbuster Video - Customer information, Inventory
  • Customer fills in form 
    • Form contains fields, ex. last name, first name, etc.
  • The information automatically entered into a table stored in the computer.
  • Information about each customer is called a record.
  • The rows in the table are records, the columns are fields.
  • Information can be obtained from the database by using a query also called a filter.
    sample question: What customers have checked out a certain video and when are they due to be turned in?
  • Information may be presented as a report.
    for example, report on customers who have not returned videos.

Planning is the most critical step in creating a database. The design of the database should reflect an understanding of how information will be entered and retrieved. A database that is set up correctly will save a lot of headaches in the latter stages of development. For example, if you plan to sort on zip code, there must be a separate field for zip. If you plan to alphabetize using last name, you need a separate field for last name. In general, you should break down information into small fields.

Terminology

These words are used often in Access so you will want to become familiar with them before using the program:

• A database is a collection of related information.
• Tables, queries, forms, and reports are called objects. 
• A table is a grouping of related data organized in fields (columns) and records (rows) on a datasheet. By using a common field in two tables, the data can be combined. Many tables can be stored in a single database.
• A field is a column on a datasheet and defines a data type for a set of values in a table. For a mailing list table might include fields for first name, last name, address, city, state, zip code, and telephone number.
• A record is a row on a datasheet and is a set of values defined by fields. In a mailing list table, each record would contain the data for one person as specified by the intersecting fields.
• A flat database has only one table.

Homework Reminder : Web Site is due next class. See 25plan in class folder for directions.