There are a number of limitations to such databases and a relational database which contains multiple linked tables offers many advantages. This database FILE would contain just one table and is known as a flat-file database. A KEY FIELD such as ‘StudentID’ can store a unique number to identify that student.Several FIELDS would store the data (attributes) of the student such as Student ID, Forename, Surname etc.An individual RECORD would store the data on a single student.A TABLE would store all the data on all the students.Data is then entered into the database fields, each complete set of fields forming a single record with a unique entry in the KEY FIELD.Once the complete set of fields have been created and any validation rules added, they are saved as a table.An existing field is set as the key field or a field is created for this purpose.Each field would be created, selecting a data type to match the data to be stored.One or more tables then make up the database FILEĭatabase creation involves the following steps:.All the records on one ENTITY are stored in a TABLE.A complete set of fields makes up a RECORD, the KEY FIELD contains data unique to that record.A single item of data is stored in a named FIELD.In a database file the data is structured in a particular way. How is data management software used to create a database?ĭatabase creation involves using software to define and build the structures to hold the data. Data handling software can therefore range from a simple program that creates and maintains a specific comma-delimited flat-file database through to sophisticated relational database management systems that can be used to create and manage a huge variety of database structures. all have powerful databases behind the scenes to collect the details of websites that are used in searches.Īny software designed to create, maintain and interrogate computerised databases is termed data handling software. Internet Search engines, such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. This helps businesses identify market opportunities. and to analyse their own performance.ĭatabases also help businesses to monitor trends in customers’ purchases. and to analyse their own performanceīusinesses use databases to keep track of sales, stock and staff etc. Business use databases to keep track of sales, stock and staff, etc. The databases manage and co-ordinate admissions, consultations, treatments, staffing and stock control. Hospital databases maintain details of patients, doctors and treatments. Organisations of all sizes use databases to store, sort, interrogate and manage their data. A supermarket accounting system is an example: as items are sold, the inventory database is updated and the inventory information is made available to the sales staff.Ĭomputers have the ability to store large amounts of data in a compact space and to process it speedily. Most computerised databases are operational databases, meaning that data going into the database is used in real time to support the ongoing activities of a business. graphs, reports, forms, etc.), either for viewing on screen or as print-outsĪ computerised database is a collection of related data stored in one or more computerised files in a manner that can be accessed by users or computer programs.
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