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Digital Technology S2 > Database > Flashcards

Database Flashcards

1
Q

What is a database?

A

A database is a large collection of data items and links between them, structured in a way that allows it to be accessed by a number of different application programs.

The term is also used loosely to describe any collection of data.

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2
Q

What is a Database Table?

A

A table is the name for each group of similar data with rows for each instance of an entity and columns for each attribute.

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3
Q

What is a Record?

A

“[A] Record is the basic unit of data stored in a data file. It is a collection of data items, which may be of different data types, all relating to the individual or object that the record describes and is treated as a unit for processing.”

A record is really a row of data from a database table.

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4
Q

What is a key field?

A

“[A] Key is the field within a record used to identify the record.”

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5
Q

What is a Field?

A

[A] Field is part of a record designed to hold a single data item of a specified type.

A record is really a column of data from a database table.

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6
Q

What is a primary key?

A

A field that uniquely identifies an individual record in a table can be chosen as the Primary Key of the table.

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7
Q

What is a composite key?

A

A composite key is one that consists of two or more fields

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8
Q

What is a foreign key?

A

When the primary key from one table appears as a field in a second table, it is known as a Foreign Key of the second table.

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9
Q

Explain how relationships are used in databases.

A

The way relationships are represented in a relational database involves the use of primary and foreign keys. If the primary key of one table appears as a foreign key in a second table, then we say that there is a relationship or a link between the two tables.

We can see which individual athletes are related to which individual events by cross referencing the values in the respective foreign and primary key fields

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10
Q

Definition of a data type

A

“[A] data type is a formal description of the kind of data being stored or manipulated within a program or system, for example CHAR (N), REAL or DATE

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11
Q

Explain the data type - CHAR(N)

A

CHAR(N) is string data type, whose values are constrained to have exactly N
characters. For example the following are all CHAR(4): “Fred”, “Fre ”, “Fr d”, “1234”.

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12
Q

Explain the data type - TEXT

A

TEXT is a string data type, whose values may have a variable numer of characters.
For example: “Fred”, Fre”, “Fr”, “F”, “Fred12345”.

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13
Q

Explain the data type - ENUM

A

ENUM is a string data type, whose values are constrained to be one of a list of
permitted values

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14
Q

Explain the data type -INT

A

INT is a numeric data type that can store whole numbers – which may be either
positive or negative. For example: 0, 1, 2, -99.

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15
Q

Explain the data type - REAL

A

REAL is a numeric data type that can store numbers with decimal places. For example:
1, 2.718, 3.141, -2.718, -3.141

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16
Q

Explain the data type - TIME

A

Time is a data type that can store time values (hours, minutes & seconds). For
example, 03:15:00 (quarter past 3 am)

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17
Q

Explain the data type - DATE

A

DATE is a data type that can store dates. The display format can be specified – e.g.
1/1/2017, 1 Jan 2017.

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18
Q

Explain the data type - BOOLE

A

BOOLE is a data type that can store the values TRUE and FALSE

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19
Q

What is data validation?

A

If incorrect data is entered into a database, the system will be less useful: in some instances it may even be dangerous.

For example, a well designed system ought to be able to prevent a user entering text data into a field that has been designed to store numeric data.

Validation is the automatic checking of data entered into a computer system.

Validation uses the properties of the data to identify any inputs that are obviously wrong.

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20
Q

Explain the validation check- Presence Checks

A

It would be meaningless, for example, to attempt a bank withdrawal without specifying an account number. Consequently any form that enables the user to make such a withdrawal must ensure that the account number field is not left blank. This is an example of a presence check.

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21
Q

Explain the validation check- Format Checks

A

Some data values are required to conform to given patterns. For example, UK post codes consist of two letters followed by three digits, followed by two letters. Consequently any relevant data entry form should check for this, and reject ill-formed postcodes. This is an example of a format check

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22
Q

Explain the validation check- Length Checks

A

The number of characters in a name can vary, but it is difficult to imagine one that is less than three
characters long – or one that is more than twenty characters long. It would be reasonable to reject any
attempted data entry that contains a name that is outside these limits. This is an example of a length check.

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23
Q

Explain the validation check- Type Checks

A

In a database that records the number of books in a bookstore, it would be strange to record a fractional number such as 36.4. Consequently any relevant data entry form should ensure that no fractional values are accepted. This is an example of a type check

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24
Q

Explain the validation check- Range Checks

A

Human adults come in a range of heights, but it is difficult to imagine anyone shorter than (say) two feet or taller than (say) ten feet. It would be reasonable to reject any attempted data entry contains a height that falls outside of this range. This is an example of a range check

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25
Q

What is a logical operator?

A

Comparing a value against other data is a typical operation when data is queried in a database.

Comparison operators allow this to be done. e.g. the comparison operator < indicates that the data entered must be less than a specified value for the result to be correct.

Also used to analyse to values and return a true or false result.

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26
Q

What is a form?

A

Forms are a common way to collect data from people, they can be used to enter a new record, modify an existing record or view records already stored in the table.

When data is entered into a form, it is automatically added into the specified table and stored as part of the database.

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27
Q

Advantages of forms

A

When there are a number of different tables in a database, forms make it easier to enter data as one form may include fields from different tables.

When the user enters data into the form the database software will ensure the data is stored in the correct table.

They can be used to control the type and format of the data ensuring that it is kept consistent and accurate.

Forms can also be customised to include a logo and colour.

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28
Q

What is a Query?

A

A query is a way of searching and extracting data from a database to find the answer to a question.

The query/search checks each record and produces a list of data that satisfies the query criteria.

To create a query, criteria are added to one or more fields in the table.

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29
Q

What is a Report?

A

A report allows tables and results from queries to be presented in user-friendly way.

The layout of the report can be customised, making it visually attractive and easy to read for the intended person or organisation.

The data can also be presented by grouping similar data or sorting it in ascending or descending order.

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30
Q

What is a Macro?

A

A macro is a small program written to perform a repetitive database task automatically.

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31
Q

What is a data dictionary?

A

Used by system designers to plan formatting for databases. They store : contents, format, structure and relationships.

Typically it will include names, descriptions, fields, record info on data types, length of each field and validation used

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32
Q

What is the purpose of a data dictionary?

A

To provide the implementation team ( third party ) with enough information to allow them to develop the system without prior knowledge

33
Q

What is an entity?

A

A concept in which data can be collected e.g customer, employee
( A Table)

33
Q

What are entity-relationship diagrams?

A

Represents the relation between entities in a database by saying how one entity can relate to many other entities and vice versa

34
Q

How are ERD’s used?

A

Entity-relationship diagrams are used in the design stage to help plan how data will be organised and provide an overview of a system and how it might work.

35
Q

What is an attribute?

A

Can be used to describe the properties of an entity.
(A Field)

35
Q

What is a wireframe?

A

An outline or diagram of an interface.

It shows where all the components of the interface will be located, without creating all the graphics and elements that will appear in the final product

36
Q

What will form design plans do?

A

It will provide detail of what data will be accepted as input, what form fields will be used and what colours, fonts and layouts will be employed

37
Q

What level of detail is generally put into wireframes?

A

Enough detail to allow a third party to develop the appropriate forms and reports.

38
Q

What is a wizard?

A

A software tool which provides step-by-step instructions during the completion of a task.

39
Q

What is navigational structure diagram?

A

Used in the design stage to provide:

-An overview of how the entire system will link together

-How the user is expected to navigate between interfaces.

-To support database design by illustrating the pathways the end user can take through a package

40
Q

Name the four interfaces for operating digitally developed packages?

A
  • Graphical User Interface
  • Natural Language Interface
  • Motion Tracking Interface
  • Touchscreens
41
Q

What is a GUI?

A

Graphical users are interface that allow user interaction through the selection of on-screen options, Uses a WIMP environment

Windows - An area on the desktop which is presented to the end user

Icons - A picture or symbol that represents a shortcut to a task, application or hardware device.

Menu - Groups similar & related tasks together to be located in a intuitive way

Pointer - An on-screen icon which moves around on screen in response to the user’s movement of a mouse or tracker pad.

42
Q

Advantages of a GUI?

A
  • Intuitive and User-friendly (Familiar Icon)
  • The user does not need to be taught
  • Accessible for users of all abilities
43
Q

Disadvantages of a GUI?

A
  • Can be restrictive and slow for experienced users
  • Increased processing power, storage space and RAM required
  • More powerful graphics cards may be needed
44
Q

What is a Natural language Interface?

A

Users interact using their normal everyday language to speak or type instructions into the computer. Examples:

Many search engine use this via voice recognition or in video games.

45
Q

Advantages of a Natural language Interface?

A
  • Suitable for users with less experience
  • Supports hands free interaction
  • Suitable for disabled users
46
Q

Disadvantages of a Natural language Interface?

A
  • Significant time must be spent training the interface
  • Only recognise commands it has been taught
  • May not understand certain accents and slang
47
Q

What is a motion tracking interface?

A

Users devices convert movement in a 3D space into digital signals for use as input into video games, often VR.

Can also use imaging systems known as optical methods.

48
Q

Advantages of a motion tracking interface?

A
  • Makes interactions more realistic
  • Inexperienced users can interact naturally
  • Supports uses with limited fine motor control
48
Q

Disadvantages of a motion tracking interface?

A
  • Requires expensive high-end technology
  • Technology is still fairly new and limited
  • Health and safety is still an issue
48
Q

Advantages of a touchscreen?

A
  • Intuitive for inexperienced users
  • Used in many places e.g ATMS, Phones, Tablets
  • Easily cleaned, reduces need for additional hardware
49
Q

What is a touchscreen?

A

Allows users to interact with the screen using their fingertips or a stylus, often found on smart phones or tablets.

They detect where the pressure is applied on screen and carries out the corresponding instruction.

50
Q

Disadvantages of a touchscreen?

A
  • Touchscreen can be damaged
  • Still relatively expensive
  • Small icons can make interaction difficult
51
Q

What are issues associated with accessible design when developing a digital application?

A

Narrators, alt text for graphics, little reliance on mouse input and on-screen magnifiers are some examples of how multimedia products are designed to be open to everyone regardless of age or gender.

W3C ( World Wide Consortium ) is an international standards association whose aim is to put standards in place to ensure accessibility.

52
Q

What are issues with developing digital applications that are compatible across a variety of platforms?

A
  • Interfaces should be tailored to each platform
  • Develop platform specific applications
  • Provide regular updates
  • Fully tested on all platforms
53
Q

How do plugins improve cross-platform compatibility?

A
  • Can add additional functionality to an existing application such as adobe flash player which allows you to view many video players that are embedded into web pages
  • Scammers often attempt to make malware look like legitimate plugins
  • Due to security issues many vendors no longer support them and prefer to use HTML S
54
Q

How do PDFs improve cross-platform compatibility?

A

Portable Document Format files can contain a combination of texts, graphics and hyperlinks in a file format which is accessible via any platform which has the appropriate supporting software.

55
Q

How do optimised file formats improve cross-platform compatibility?

A

The aim of optimisation is to minimise the time taken to load the digital application and decrease storage space using compression.

56
Q

What is compression?

A

The process by which files are reduced in size through the removal of unnecessary data

57
Q

Examples of compressed Image file formats?

A
  • Joint photographic experts groups (.JPEG)
  • Tagged Image File Format (.TIFF)
  • Graphical interchange format (.GIF)
  • Portable Network Graphics (.PNG)
58
Q

Examples of compressed Video file formats?

A
  • Flash video format (.flv)
  • Audio video interleaved (.avi)
  • QuickTime format (.mov)
  • MP4 Format (.mp4)
59
Q

Examples of compressed Sound file formats?

A
  • MP3 Format (.mp3)
  • Windows waveform (.wav) - Not Compressed
60
Q

What are multimedia features used in social media?

A
  • Publishing user-generated text-based content
  • Publishing user-generated multimedia content
  • Conversing through chats
  • Responding to other user’s shared content
  • Promoting events, commercial interests or cultural life
  • Reaching out to new contacts - Crowdsourcing
61
Q

What are advantages of multimedia features used in social media?

A

-Enables users to form connections via tagging, sending invitations and automatic URL and name recognition

  • Integrated heavily into other software e.g alerts can be pushed out to phones via social media
  • Can perform data mining on other user profiles to enable targeted advertising
62
Q

What are disadvantages of multimedia features used in social media?

A
  • Harassment and defamation
  • Privacy infringements
  • Copyright issues
  • Misinformation
  • Lack of social skills
63
Q

What are multimedia and interactive features used in Gaming?

A

Created using various types of software packages: Spreadsheets, presentations and bespoke game development tools

  • Mouse movement/Clicking
  • Pressing specific keys
  • Scrolling
  • Voice commands
  • Motion sensors
64
Q

What are advantages of multimedia features used in Gaming?

A
  • Increased enjoyments and motivation to play
  • High quality graphics and sound card fully immerses you
  • Specialised hardware can make the game feel more realistic e.g. steering wheels
  • Settings and characters can be personalised
65
Q

What are disadvantages of multimedia features used in Gaming?

A
  • Increased storage demand
  • Expensive, complex code required
  • Hardware demands are increased
  • During streaming, the user is reliant on good broadband
66
Q

What are examples of feedback from interactive features used in gaming?

A
  • Sprites/Graphics
  • Sounds
  • Arrival/Closure of a menu
67
Q

What are examples of input devices from interactive features used in gaming?

A

Mouse, Joystick, Keyboard, Microphone, Tracker pad

68
Q

What are examples of output devices from interactive features used in gaming?

A

Screen, speakers, haptic peripherals

69
Q

What is data redundancy?

A

The unnecessary repetition of data

70
Q

What is data integrity?

A

Making sure data is reasonable and accurate

71
Q

Definition of Multimedia?

A

A combination of image, sound, animation, video text to present information in a digital application.

71
Q

What is interactivity?

A

The way the user sues hardware and software to view output and generate input in response to tat output, to help complete a task.

72
Q

What is E-commerce?

A

The sale or purchase of goods or services, conducted over computer networks by methods specifically designed for the purpose of receiving or placing orers

73
Q

What are advantages of MM and interactivity in E-commerce?

A

Templates can reinforce the companies brand
Shopping carts to calc total cost
Timers showing how long a buyer has to buy an item
Uses encryption and HTTPS for security

74
Q

What does e-commerce involve?

A
  • Searching for a particular item with a search engine
  • Browsing a site and looking at offers

Digital Technology S2 (2 decks)

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