Databases Flashcards
What is a wizard? [2]
Software that helps a user complete a specific task step-by-step
What is a query facility? [2]
A facility in a database that allows you to search for or select records which meet specified criteria
What is a relationship?
A link between two tables made using common fields
What are the advantages of linking tables in a database? [2]
- Reduces the amount of data stored
2. Makes searching and sorting of data more efficient
What are the four steps that are taken to create a mail merge?
- Create the letter
- Select the data source
- Select the appropriate merge fields
- Merge the data from the data source
What are the three steps that are taken to use the query facility of a database to find particular records?
- Select the table and appropriate fields
- Enter the criteria for the search
- Run the query and view the results
List three wizards available in database software
- Query wizards
- Form wizards
- Report wizards
A key field is also known as a what?
Primary key
Define a key field/primary key.
Uniquely identifies a record in a table.
List four data types in a database.
- Numeric
- Text
- Date
- Boolean
Define a record.
A unit of data made of a number of fields
Which type of database allows a user to set a key field for each table?
A relational database
What is the purpose of an input mask?
To define the format of the data being entered
Give an example of a default input mask
Postcode
List three things that validation ensures.
It ensures that data is:
- Present
- In the correct range
- In the correct format
If data entered does not meet validation criteria, what happens?
An error message appears
List five data validation checks.
- Presence
- Length
- Type
- Range
- Format
List three types of relationship in a database.
- One-to-one
- One-to-many
- Many-to-many
What is a mail merge?
The merging of records from a database onto standard documents.
The results of a query are shown in…
table format
Logical operators can be used to…
combine criteria in a query
List three logical operators.
- AND
- OR
- NOT
What can reports be created from? [2]
- Data in tables
2. Results of a query
Reports are designed for…
printing
Data in reports can be both…
grouped and sorted
Reports should produce information that is…
accurate and complete
Reports should be user…, to…
friendly, to make sure that the user can make good use of the information
User friendly means that it is…
easy for users to understand and use
Name two sources from which data can be imported into a database.
- Spreadsheet
2. Comma-separated variable (CSV) file
Importing data into a database is usually done using a…
wizard
List three ways you should a plan a database.
Requirements, tasks, data
- List user requirements in terms of input, processing and output. This will include any reports, queries and forms to be used in the system.
- Identify tasks the user will need to perform (e.g. Adding, deleting and updating records).
- Identify the data which needs to be collected.
List three ways you should test a database solution.
Data capture forms, queries, reports
- Test data capture forms to ensure their data is valid and they are user friendly
- Run queries to ensure the criteria produce the correct results and that searches are efficient
- Ensure reports display the correct information in a suitable format
List three ways a database solution should be evaluated.
- Assess fitness for purpose (e.g. How well it meets user requirements)
- Identify strengths and weaknesses (e.g. User friendliness of data capture forms and reports)
- Identify areas for improvement
