Develop your skills - Web 2.0 Tools
Skills
In this brief introduction to databases you will explore
- what a database is and what is some of the terminiology associated with them
- Access as an example of a relational database.
Your text, and a range of online resources will be used.
What is a database?
- Wikipedia (2006) defines a database as "an organized collection of data". It goes on to provide a more technical definition:
"a database is a collection of records stored in a computer in a systematic way, so that a computer program can consult it to answer questions. For better retrieval and sorting, each record is usually organized as a set of data elements (facts). The items retrieved in answer to queries become information that can be used to make decisions".
TASK:
Review the wikipedia definition of a database (skim read). Find out the difference between a flat data model and a relational data model.
Is Excel, an example of:
A flat data model is the basis of the spreadsheet.
What is a relational database?
Almost every program, whether a game, a scientific or a business application, needs to store and manipulate data. For example, without information on customers, stock and staff, a business can't operate successfully. The most common tool to store and manipulate data is a relational database.
- Using Webopedia, enter the search term Database to see another explanation. What are meant by the terms field and record?
- If you wished to store your address book in a database, what fields, records and tables would it contain?
SET TEXT
Chapter 2
pp. 343-364
or
pp. 331-351
The next reading will give you an overview of Access. As you work through the chapter concentrate on understanding how tables, forms and reports work together to form a complete database product.
If you are still not feeling very confident complete Develop Your Skills 2, pp. 364.
Don't forget the importance of learning these. Try shortcuts you have learnt in other Office programs and you will usually find they work in a similar manner in Access. To help, download this handout provided and display it near your computer for easy look up.
In Excel using data forms (covered in the Organising Data topic) you can create a simple database. This is a useful feature in Excel but it is limited and really only suitable for a database with one table. Don't fall into the trap of trying to create more complex databases in Excel.
What have I learned?
After completing these activities you should:- understand what a relational database is and what it does;
- be able to recognise appropriate situations for database use.