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Introduction to Databases

Mr Arthur

Aims of the Lesson

1. To introduce what a database is

2. Discuss different examples in everyday life

3. Data Files/Records/Fields

4. Discuss advantages of electronic databases

5. Discuss Simple and Complex searches

Manual/Electronic Systems

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What is a Database

• A database is a collection of information stored in a structured way

• Examples– The Police National

Database– DVLA– Inland Revenue– Esporta Health Club– Folk trying to sell you

kitchens

Data File/Record/FieldFIELD = AN INDIVIDUAL PIECE OF DATA

RECORD = INFORMATION ON ONE PERSON

DATA FILE = ALL THE RECORDS ARE STORED TOGETHER IN A DATA FILE

Advantages of Electronic Databases

1. Takes up less physical space than manual system

2. Is much easier to search and sort database

3. Is much easier to amend records

4. Easy to make a backup copy

Simple Search

• I want to carry out a simple search on the field Age with the criteria 14

Complex Search

• I want to carry out a complex search on the field Age with the criteria 14 and on the field Fav Food with the criteria “pizza”

Aims of Lesson 2

• To revise the following areas– What is a database?– Examples in industry– Fields/Records/Data Files– Simple/Complex Searching– Simple/Complex Sorting

• To introduce data or field types• To discuss computed/calculated fields

Data/Fields Types

• When creating a database you have to choose the data or field type depending on the data that is going to be stored

• Examples– Text– Number– Date/Time– Currency– Yes/No

Computed/Calculated Fields

• A computed field will carry out a calculation on another field or fields and give you an answer