| | Databases : Introduction | 
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A database is a computerised record-keeping system. Databases are used when a large quantity of information has to be stored. A database is very useful because it will provide tools to let the user search through the data that has been stored to find particular pieces of information. The data stored in the database must be organised so that the computer can analyse and search it automatically.
Data in a database is usually organised into one or more files storing information relevant to the organisation that has created the database. For example a database keeping information for a doctors surgery may contain the following files :
Each file is identified by a filename (e.g. "Patient", "Employees"). Sometimes a file in a database is known as a data table.
When setting up a database it is usual to define a set of queries which will be used to answer questions from the data in the database. The output that is produced by the database is called a report.
There are two different types of database package that you are likely to find in a school. They are flat file databases and relational databases.
| Flat File | A flat file database is the simplest kind of database. With a flat file database package each database that you create can only contain one file. |
| Relational | A relational database can store more than one file within a database. The files can each have a different structure and relationships (or links) can be created between the files. Queries can answer questions by examining and comparing data in more than one file. A relational database management system ( RDBMS ) is a piece of software that can be used to help you create a database consisting of multiple files and link them together. |
GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004