Introduction to a Database Definition: A database is a collection of information held together in an organised manner. For example: A library could be classed as a database as it holds a collection of books. But, here we are referring to the use of a computer holding information. When facts are put into a database we can search it to find specific information. Can you name the most commonly used database in the world ? ………….Check your answer here:

The software we will be using to create a database is called Access. It uses tables such as the one below. Access databases are made up of Tables which contain:  Records  Fields  Different types of data  A Primary Key

Tables: Databases store information in a table. A table allows you to see all of the information on the database. Type of TableType of Data Pupil InformationName, Address, DOB Pupil AttendanceDays Absent, Days Attended, Reason for Absence, Days Late Staff InformationName, Address, Phone Number, Qualifications Below is an example of some of the tables that may be stored on a school database. What other data can be added to the Pupil Information Table?

Records: Each table contains records and each record is the whole information about the subject. This is the record for Monsters Inc. Make a list the information can you see about Monsters Inc.

Field: A Field is one piece of information about the subject. Make a list of the fields in this database? Discuss what fields might you find on a school library database?

Type of Data: Different types of data can be entered into a database. In this module we will be using text and number options. We can enter numbers and text in the text option but in the number option we can only enter numerical data. Can you think of a reason why we would enter a number in a text field?

Primary Key: Every record has a unique identifier, in Access this is called a Primary Key. Every record is automatically given a primary key, for example: The movie Frozen is given the number 7, the number 7 can never appear more than once so the record therefore has a unique identifier, in this instance the number 7. A unique identifier avoids confusion. It is something that can never be duplicated, so if there are two children in Year 5 with the same name i.e. Tom Jones then having a primary key in the pupil database will avoid any mix ups. When we leave school we are given a National Insurance number for work Our passports also have a unique identifier on each page. All items in the Argos catalogue have a unique identifier. Can you think of any other examples of where unique identifiers are used?