1. Database terms
Mr. Brunton

2. Database What is a database? Why do we use databases?
A collection of information organized in such a way that a computer program can quickly select desired pieces of data. You can think of a database as an electronic filing system.
Why do we use databases?
Databases are used to store, organize, and retrieve large amounts of data, quickly.  Therefore, databases can be used in any situation where data needs to be found quickly.
Microsoft Access is a database editing software

3. Database examples Phone book Student records Employee records
Driver’s License information, Health (Card) information)
Bank account information
ITunes / Music database
Online stores (ie: Sears, E- Bay, Trader.ca, etc.)
Sports / News (ie: NHL.com, TSN.ca)

4. Table
a set of related data arranged in rows and columns

5. Field Relates to a column in a database table
Contains all the information about one type of data (like names, address, etc.)

6. Field properties
Properties, such as length, datatype, etc. that the database designer can set in order to control data

7. Datatypes
Text, Memo, Number, Date/Time, Currency, AutoNumber, Yes/No, Lookup wizard

8. Text Datatype used to store any characters. Limited to 256 characters
Ex: name, address

9. Memo Like the text datatype, memo is used to store any characters ….
However it is unlimited in size.
Ex: customer comments, comments on report cards

10. Number Datatype used to store values of numerical value
Short integers, long integers, etc. have different value maximums … check field properties for more details
Ex: age, population

11. Date / time Datatype used to store dates and times
Can be shown in many different ways (full date, short date, times, etc.)
Ex: date of birth

12. Currency Numerical datatype used to store money values
Ex: amount owing

13. Autonumber Numerical value that is automatically created by Access
Often used a unique identifier (primary key)
Ex: student number, credit card number

14. Yes / no
Datatype used to store a yes or no value
Ex: paid in full?

15. Lookup
A property under most datatypes that allows you create a list of values for a user to choose from
Ex: salutation

16. Primary key
Datatype property that requires each record in a table to be unique
Used to ensure that no two records are the same
Ex: social insurance number

17. Record Relates to a row in a database table
Contains all of the data related to one person or item
Ex: name, address, marks, etc about one student

18. Form
Part of a database that allows a user to enter and edit data in a graphical interface

19. Query Asking the database question to find a certain set of data
Ex: finding all students who are failing

20. Sort
Ordering data in alphanumerical order

21. Report
Creating a printable report of a database table or query

22. Datasheet view
View for entering and editing data

23. Design view
View that allows the database designer to edit field properties, query properties, etc.