database.

md 2024-06-05

Computer Basics: Database

Connect with me: Youtube | LinkedIn | WhatsApp Channel | Web | Facebook | Twitter

Download PDF
To access the updated handouts, please click on the following link:
https://yasirbhutta.github.io/computer-basics/docs/database.html

Database Basics
What is a database?

A database is an organized collection of data, or information, that is stored electronically on a computer

system.
Databases are used to store a wide variety of data, such as customer information, product information,
financial data, and scientific data.

Why use a database?

Databases offer a number of advantages over traditional methods of data storage, such as paper files
and spreadsheets.
Databases are more efficient to store and manage large amounts of data.
Databases allow for easy searching and retrieval of data.
Databases can be used to share data with other users.

Types of databases:

There are many different types of databases, but the most common are relational databases and
non-relational databases.
Relational databases store data in tables, where each table is made up of rows and columns.
Non-relational databases store data in a variety of formats, such as XML or JSON.

Database Design
Database design is the process of creating a database that is efficient and meets the needs of the users.
There are a number of steps involved in database design, such as:
Identifying the data that needs to be stored
Determining the relationships between the data
Normalizing the data
Creating a database schema

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

A database management system (DBMS) is a software program that is used to create, manage, and
access databases.
Some popular DBMSs include Oracle, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server.

SQL
1/4
database.md 2024-06-05

SQL is a structured query language that is used to communicate with databases.

SQL can be used to create, read, update, and delete data in a database.

See Also:

Khan Academy Database Course: https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-

programming/sql
W3Schools SQL Tutorial: https://www.w3schools.com/sql/

Microsoft Access
Microsoft Access is a database management system (DBMS) developed by Microsoft. It combines the
relational Access Database Engine (ACE) with a graphical user interface (GUI) and software-development
tools. Here's what you can do with Microsoft Access:

1. Create Databases: You can build databases quickly using templates, even if you're not a developer.
2. Data Management: Easily find, report on, and manipulate data stored in Access.
3. Forms: Create rich data entry forms.
4. Data Import/Export: Import, transform, and export data from various sources¹².

See also:

Video: What is Access? - Microsoft Support

Microsoft Access - Wikipedia
What is Microsoft Access? - Database.Guide
Access video training - Microsoft Support
What is Microsoft Access? Database Management Simplified - Simplilearn

True/False (Mark T for True and F for False)

A database is an organized collection of data stored electronically on a computer system. True/False
Databases are only used to store customer information. True/False
Relational databases store data in tables. True/False
SQL is a programming language used to create websites. True/False
SQL is a language used to communicate with and manipulate data within a database. True/False

Multiple Choice (Select the best answer)

Which of the following is NOT a type of database?

1. Relational
2. Non-relational
3. Spreadsheet

What is the purpose of database design?

1. To make the database look pretty

2. To create a database that is efficient and meets the needs of the users
3. To store as much data as possible
4. None of the above

2/4
database.md 2024-06-05

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a database?

1. Organized collection of data

2. Stored electronically on a computer system
3. Duplicates information across different files
4. Allows easy searching and retrieval of data

Which type of database stores data in tables with rows and columns?

1. Relational
2. Non-relational
3. Hierarchical
4. Graph

What is the process of identifying data relationships, normalizing data, and creating a database schema
called?

1. Querying of Database
2. Programming
3. Optimization of Database
4. Database Design

Which software program facilitates the creation, management, and access of databases?

1. Word processor
2. Web browser
3. Database management system (DBMS)
4. Operating system

Which of the following statements is NOT true about Microsoft Access?

1. It is a relational database management system

2. It combines a graphical user interface with a database engine.
3. It is primarily used for enterprise-level applications.
4. It offers various tools for data analysis and reporting.

What is the primary function of a database query?

1. Create new data in the database

2. Modify existing data in the database
3. Delete data from the database
4. Retrieve specific data from the database

Exercises
Write an SQL query to select all customers from a table named 'customers'.

Answer:

select * from customers;

3/4
database.md 2024-06-05

Review Questions
What is a database?
Explain the difference between relational and non-relational databases.
Describe the steps involved in database design.
What are the different types of databases?
What are the advantages of using a database?
What is the role of a database management system (DBMS)?

References and Bibliography

Access video training
What is Microsoft Access? - Database.Guide

4/4