INTRODUCTION TO DATADASE [ Microsoft Access ]
What is meant by a database?
A database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system.
Or
Database can simply mean an organized collection of data.
Examples of database
- Telephone and address books
- Directory
- eCommerce platforms,
- Healthcare systems,
- Social media platforms
What is the difference between Database System and Database Management system (DBMS)?
Database System (DBS) refers to the way of organizing information on a computer implemented by a set of computer programmes
While
Database management system (DBMS) refers to the software or program that enables users to delete, create, and maintain a database. Eg Microsoft Office Access
Examples of Database management Software (DBMS)
- Microsoft office Access
- Oracle
- My SQL
- Lotus approach
- D base
- PostgreSQL
- MongoDB
Types of databases
There are basically two types of databases;
Trending
- Flat file database
- Relational databases
What is the difference between flat file database and Relational Database?
Flat file database refers to a database which consists of a single table. E.g. When you create database for school when its containing only students table.
While
Relational database refers to a database that consists of more than one table with a relationship created between the tables on the common field
What’s the meaning of Data types in database?
Data types refers to properties which define the characteristics, formats and the behavior of values that one entered in a given field or column in a database.
Or
Data types refers to the nature of data that can be stored in database .
Common data types include;
The following are available data types available in Microsoft Access;
- Text (Used for text or combination of text and numbers e.g. Name, addresses or numbers that don’t require calculations .e.g. phone numbers.)
- Number (Used for data to be included in mathematical calculation e.g. number of items, marks in subjects)
- Date/Time (Used for only data’s and time format e.g. Date of birth, registration date)
- Currency (used for values with monetary units such as amounts in dollars $ , shillings Ugx)
- AutoNumber (Unique value generated for each new record.)
- Yes/No (Boolean true/false , yes/no, on/off . You can use it on a field like Disability where answer should be either yes or no)
- OLE Object / Object linking and Embedding (Its used when inserting Pictures, graphs, sounds)
- Attachment (used for all attachment field to attach multiple files such as image to a record)
- Hyperlink (used to store the location of a file on your computer, local area network or internet)
- Calculated ( You can create an expression that uses data from one or more fields)
- Lookup Wizard (A feature that allows the creation of drop down list of values that can be read from another table. This drop down list is also known as a combo box.)
What are database objects?
Database objects are used for holding and manipulating the data in the database. Examples of database objects include;
- Table
These are fundamental structures that contain data which is arranged in columns and rows
Tables are primary structures of database. - Forms
A form is a structure that enables one to enter and display records from the database table/ query easily. - Queries
A query is a stored question about the data stored in a database’s table. They allow you to view the data you want from a database table - Reports
A report is a structure that enables one to preview and print data in a meaningful way . - Macros and Modules
A macro is an automated procedure of action in a computer that consists of simple commands that instruct a computer to perform a particular task
CONCLUSION
Microsoft Access database files have the .accdb file extension. The .accdb file format is the default file-saving format for Microsoft Access beginning with its 2007 version.
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