Organized Files | Databases

By Hispanic
Total views: 12
Word Count: 386

A computer database is like an electronic file cabinet full of documents. What makes computer databases useful is the ease with which the data can be entered, stored and manipulated. Unique data needs to be entered only one time. From then on it can be used to create lists, summaries, reports, letters, labels and many other things limited mainly by the imagination of the user.

The program that manages the database is referred to as the database management system or DBMS. Among the most popular systems include Microsoft Access, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and File Maker. These databases are far more complex than a text file or a spreadsheet, as they have the ability to relate the records across different tables.

The most common and basic type of data encoding involves an individual's name followed by the information, with spaces, comma and hyphens separating each relevant piece of information. Items such as these are usually arranged by rows, with each row referred to as a record. Simply put, this type of virtual record is comparable to a real-life list, like a grocery list or shopping list.

Another form of database is the spreadsheet similar to the format used in Microsoft Excel, for example. They organize data through a variety of means, either by arranging records by surname, first name or by alphabetic order, reverse-alphabetical, time of modification and so on. Because the items are not only arranged horizontally but also vertically, the records is easier to comprehend.

Data manipulation is yet another advantage of using a database. Extensive data manipulation facilities for creating, copying, moving, converting reformatting and validating application test data are essential for the efficient development of reliable DBMS. The same facilities are also essential in addressing failures in live systems, where it is imperative to find and fix production data errors with confidence and precision.

The most basic example of a database is the text file, and most ordinary computer users keep their database in text form; email addresses, a list of names and a list of telephone numbers can easily be kept in this small, uncomplicated file that can be opened and edited in all sorts of word processors, especially if you've saved your data in universally-accepted ASCII format. Sometimes, keeping databases simple instead of needlessly complicated is the best way to organize your files.

About the Author

A program Database, or simply called a Database, is a collection of information and data stored in a program system.

You are here Articles > Computers > Databases