Chapter 5: Database and Content Management Flashcards
Why Do You Need to Know About Databases
For one, databases are everywhere.
Every time you make a cell phone call, log on to the Internet, or buy something online using a credit card, applications behind the scenes are processing numerous databases.
Reasons for Learning Database Technology
1) When you participate in the development of any new business initiative, you need to know if database technology can facilitate your project goals.
2) Because databases are ubiquitous in commerce, billions of bytes of data are stored every day. You need to know how to turn that data into a format from which you can construct useful information.
3) Business is dynamic, and information systems must adapt. Often, such adaptation means that the structure of the database needs to be changed.
4) Finally, you might someday find yourself or your department in a material mess.
What Is the Purpose of a Database?
A database keeps track of things
Lists that involve a single theme can be stored in a
spreadsheet
lists that involve multiple themes require a
database
Content
can be difficult to define.
In the broadest sense, content is something of value and can be considered an asset just like other items of property.
Intellectual property
as a form of creative endeavour that can be protected through a trademark, patent, copyright, industrial design, or integrated circuit topography.
One way of thinking about content management is to separate the ______ of content from the ________ of content
management
presentation
Content management systems (CMSs)
Information system that tracks organizational documents, webpages, raphics, and related materials
Database
self-describing collection of integrated records
Byte
Character of data (an 8 bit chunk)
Columns (aka fields)
Database table has multiple columns that are used to represent the attributes of an entity
Row (aka record)
Groups of columns in a database table
Table (aka file)
Group of similar rows or records in a database
Key
a column or group of columns that identifies a unique row in a table.
Every table must have a key.
Foreign keys
This term is used because such columns are keys, but they are keys of a different (foreign) table from the one in which they reside.
Relational databases
Databases that carry their data in the form of tables and that represent relationships using foreign keys
