Database Definitions

1. provide a basic definition of each.

FIELD-Field is a space allocated for a particular item of information. For example a student ID. It has your name and your ID number and date of birth.

RECORD- A record is a complete set of information on someone. For example you may have a criminal record on something that you may have stolen.

FILE- Data makes up a file. A file is a collection of data or information that has a filename. Almost all information stored in a computer must be in a file. There are many different types of files: data files, text files program files, directory files, and so on. Different types of files store different types of information.

QUERY- A Query is choosing parameters from a menu. In this method, the database system gives a list of parameters from which you can choose. This is perhaps the easiest way to pose a query because the menus guide you, but it is also the least flexible.

DATABASE- Database software is used for a number of reasons in any industry - from keeping your bookkeeping on task, compiling client lists to running your online Web site.

REPORT- A report is a formatted and organized presentation of data. Most database management systems include a report writer that enables you to design and generate reports.

DBMS- Stands for "Database Management System." In short, a DBMS is a database program. Technically speaking, it is a software system that uses a standard method of cataloging, retrieving, and running queries on data. The DBMS manages incoming data, organizes it, and provides ways for the data to be modified or extracted by users or other programs.

DATA DICTIONARY- A data dictionary is a file that defines the basic organization of a database. A data dictionary contains a list of all files in the database, the number of records in each file, and the names and types of each field. Most database management systems keep the data dictionary hidden from users to prevent them from accidentally destroying its contents.

DATA TYPE- A data type in programming, classification of a particular type of information. It is easy for humans to distinguish between different types of data. We can usually tell at a glance whether a number is a percentage, a time, or an amount of money. We do this through special symbols -- %, :, and $ -- that indicate the data's type. Similarly, a computer uses special internal codes to keep track of the different types of data it processes.