Introducing Databases

A database is a collection of structured information. To understand how a database works, it is important to understand their structure.

• A FILE is a collection of related information in that every instance has something in common with every other instance. Database FILES are made up of: RECORDS.
• Each RECORD contains ALL the information about one particular person or object. Separate piece of information in the RECORD are held in:
• FIELDS. A FIELD contains one individual piece of information found on a single record. FIELDS are often given field names to describe the information they contain.

What you have to do!

Introduction to Databases! Click to Go Larger Screen

1. Download the FOOTBALL TEAM KITS database file, and;
   
   
   
   
2. Create a folder called Databases and move in your downloaded database file.
3. Watch Video 1 , open the database file FOOTBALL TEAM KITS.
4. Use the information from the movie to answer the following questions in Exercise 1 of the General Section of your PROGRESS Grids
   1. How many records are in this database file?
   2. How many different fields are displayed on each record?
   3. What is the stock number of record number 2?
   4. What is the stock level of record number 43?
   5. What is the cost of record number 27?
   6. What is the category of record number 19?

Mark off Exercise 1 in your Progress Grids

What you should be able to do now!

• Open Database files

• Provide a definition of a Database.

• Explain the structure of databases in terms of

  • Files
  • Records
  • Fields

• Navigate through records in a database

Continue to Section 2: Sorting In Databases