quiz 8..♥ :(

1. Define the term, database, and explain how a database interacts with data and information.

A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality, in a way that supports processes requiring this information. A database interacts with data it provides the means to effectively describe specific data structures needed to model an application.
 2. Describe file maintenance techniques (adding records, modifying records, deleting records) and validation techniques.
File maintenance refers to the procedures that keep data current. File maintenance procedures include adding records when new data is obtained, modifying records to correct inaccurate data or to update old data with new data, and deleting records when they are no longer are needed.

 

Validation is the process of comparing data with a set of rules or values to find out if the data is correct. Many programs perform a validity check that analyzes data, either as you enter it or after you enter it, to help ensure that it is correct. Types of validity checks include an alphabetic check, a numeric check, a range check, a consistency check, a completeness check, and a check digit.

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3. Discuss the terms character, field, record, and file

- Characters numbers, letters, space, punctuation marks, or other symbols

- Field is a combination of one or more related characters

- Record is a group of related fields

- File is a collection of related records

4. Discuss the functions common to most database management systems:
data dictionary, file retrieval and maintenance, data security, and backup and recovery.

With a database management system (DBMS), users can create, access, and manage a computerized database. Most DBMS perform common functions.
A data dictionary contains data about cache file in the database and cache field within those files. A DBMS offers several methods to retrieve and maintain data, such as query languages, query by example, forms, and report generators. A query language is consists of simple, English-like statements that allow users to specify the data to display, print, or store. A query by example (QBE) has a graphical user interface that assists users with retrieving data. A form is a window on the screen that provides areas for entering or modifying data. A report generator allows users to design a report on the screen, retrieve data into the report design, and display or print the report. A backup is a copy of the database. A log is a listing of activities that change the contents of the database. A recovery utility uses the logs and/or backups to restore the database.

5. Differentiate between a file processing approach and the database approach.
   ♥Traditional File Approach is data dependence while database are data independence.

♥File processing approach - each department or area within an organization has its own set of data files. Two major weaknesses of file processing systems are redundant data and isolated data.

    ♥Database approach- many programs and users share the data in a database. The database approach reduces data redundancy, improves data integrity, shares data, permits easier access, and reduces development time.

6. Describe characteristics of relational, object-oriented, and multidimensional databases.

Relational database- stores data in tables that consists of rows and columns. Each row has a primary key and each column has a unique name.

Object-oriented database (OODB) - stores data in objects; often use an object query language to manipulate and retrieve data.

Multidimensional database-stores data in dimensions; allows users to access and analyze any view of the database data and no standard query language exists.

7. Explain how to access Web databases.

A Web database links to a form on a Web page. To access data in a Web database, you fill on the form or enter search text on a Web page. A Web database usually resides on a database server, which is a computer that store and provides access to a database.