1.3.1 Databases Flashcards
What is a relational database?
A database which recognises the difference between entities and uses different tables for each entity. It uses unique keys to differentiate between the data.
What is an entity?
(in terms of a database)
An item of interest about which information is stored
What is a flat file?
A database consisting of a single table storing data on many entities
What is a primary key?
A unique identifier for each record in a table
What is a foreign key?
The attribute that links two tables
What is a secondary key?
An index other than the primary key used to search and sort through the database with more convenience and speed
What does capturing data mean?
The process of getting the information that will be stored in the database.
What method do banks use to capture data from cheques
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) is used for all of the details apart from the amount which must be entered manually
What does selecting data mean?
Selecting data is the process of removing excess information to extract only the data you require
What does managing the data mean?
To manipulate the infromation collected in any type of way such as through sorting through it selecting certain parts using SQL
What is the most common language used to manipulate data in databases?
SQL (Structured Query Language)
What is a use of a Flat File?
Used for spreadsheets or databases without integrated indexes
