Kexi/Handbook/Introduction to Databases/What Is a Database: Difference between revisions
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Look at this diagram for one of the above examples: a simple phone book. | Look at this diagram for one of the above examples: a simple phone book. | ||
[[ | [[File:Kexi_contact_example.png|center]] | ||
The above picture shows a set of two contacts each of which is presented on a separate card. It appears that such a card can constitute a single row in a table: | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;max-width:20rem;" | |||
|+ Contacts table | |||
|- | |||
! Name !! Tel No. | |||
|- | |||
| Joan || 699 23 43 12 | |||
|- | |||
| Adam || 711 19 77 21 | |||
|} | |||
'''Terms and definitions:''' A single data which constitutes a part of a greater collection can be called a ''row'' or more professionally a ''record''. The collection is normally called a ''table''. Moreover, the most natural name for the table is one describing the data it offers/stores which is ''Contacts''. Furthermore, each row in the table consists of columns often also called ''fields''. In the table ''Contacts'' there are two columns (fields): ''Name'' and ''Tel No.''. | |||
For simple uses a single table can make up a ''database''. Many people consider these two equivalent. As you will see, real databases usually need more than one table. | |||
To sum up, you have already got a simple database with one table ''Contacts''. | |||
Latest revision as of 22:07, 25 December 2024
What Is a Database?
You can define a database as a collection of data on one topic. It is organised in a way allowing to easily browse the information, make changes or add new items.
Look at this diagram for one of the above examples: a simple phone book.
The above picture shows a set of two contacts each of which is presented on a separate card. It appears that such a card can constitute a single row in a table:
| Name | Tel No. |
|---|---|
| Joan | 699 23 43 12 |
| Adam | 711 19 77 21 |
Terms and definitions: A single data which constitutes a part of a greater collection can be called a row or more professionally a record. The collection is normally called a table. Moreover, the most natural name for the table is one describing the data it offers/stores which is Contacts. Furthermore, each row in the table consists of columns often also called fields. In the table Contacts there are two columns (fields): Name and Tel No..
For simple uses a single table can make up a database. Many people consider these two equivalent. As you will see, real databases usually need more than one table.
To sum up, you have already got a simple database with one table Contacts.